Festive Holiday Appetizer

·

While I have my favorites, I always try to keep things original around here and really wanted to create something instead of do my best work copying a familiar recipe.  Every year my pasta salad is a huge it at the Janac Christmas so why not mix it up a little and turn it into a little appetizer!

Tortellini Poppers

Let’s just say all the samples I made were quickly eaten by my family so I’m going to give this a thumbs up!  It also gets the thumbs up from me because it is super easy and quick to make. 

Here’s all  you need

1 pkg Buitoni cheese tortellini pasta

1 pkg Buitoni pesto

1 red bell pepper

1 can large black olives

1 pkg salami or pepperoni

Boil and drain the tortellini.  After adding a dab of pesto to a piece of pasta layer a small piece of bell pepper, the salami folded in half and half a black olive and secure with a toothpick.  So easy!  I think these work in this bite size form or use a longer skewer and double up. Add to a tray and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.  I think they turned out very festive what do you think?  

Shrimp Dip

One recipe my mom always made for Christmas Eve was this shrimp dip.  While it doesn’t look super appetizing, it is seriously amazing.  Let’s just say Carly and I were knocking each other over testing this after it chilled!

Shrimp Dip

Boil 1 lb small shrimp (deveined)

Blend 1 package cream cheese with 3 tbsp Heinz Chili Sauce

Add 1/3 cup mayo

1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp lemon juice

Fold in shrimp

Chill before serving

The consistency of chili sauce is a personal preference and I have typically added in a little more than 3 tbsp after tasting.  I personally love this dip the very best with Fritos but we were using the stock on hand!

Any little appetizer can be made to look Christmasy with a little garnish. I love the rosemary sprigs but would also use cranberries, grape tomatoes or even green olives to a platter.  Oh, and of course you need a little Christmas drink!  I made the cranberry mule to test out and it was yummy but a little sweet for me.  Sure does look festive though!

We hope you will share your favorite party recipe so we can all have something new to try this Christmas!  Thank you Sarah and Victoria for hosting such a festive linkup.


Festive Holiday Appetizer