Our recent Sip & Share event was a fantastic evening full of friends, food and festive demonstrations for all who attended. Everyone enjoyed the appetizers so much (and requested the recipes) that we wanted to share them with you, as quick and easy ideas for your seasonal guests this Christmas and New Years! [These recipes were presented at Sip & Share by Maureen & Brenda.]
Christmas Dip
This quick and easy recipe is the perfect pairing for tortilla chips, giving your guests a crunch with flavour.
- 1 package softened cream cheese
- 1 small container sour cream
- 1 jar salsa any brand
- 1 package tex mex shredded cheese
- 1 red pepper
- 2 green onions
- 1 package red/green taco chips
Mix together cream cheese and sour cream and beat until smooth. Spread the mixture on the bottom of a shallow dish. Spread salsa in a layer over top. Sprinkle with Tex Mex Cheese, small chopped up pieces of red pepper and green onion. Serve chilled with tortilla chips.
Pomegranate and Goat Cheese Crostini
Impress your friends and family with a fancy platter of crostini appetizers topped with delectable goodies.
- 12-15 baguette slices (about 1/4" thick)
- olive oil
- 1 cup goat cheese, room temp
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
- balsamic reduction for drizzling
- small bunch of mint leaves, chopped into pieces
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place cut baguette on a pan and drizzle with olive oil, then toast for about 8 minutes. Cool the crostini (toasted baguette slices) and then spread with 1tsp of goat cheese. Top with a few arils of pomegranate and chopped up mint leaves. Drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving.
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
Pinwheels are quick to make but even quicker to eat. Make sure you put together a few extra or you might not get any!
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions
- 1 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 4 x 10" tortillas wraps- use any colour/flavour you like
Mix the cream cheese and all other ingredients together. Spread evenly over the 4 tortillas. Roll up evenly and wrap in plastic wrap then chill for 1 hour. Cut into slices and serve.
Cream Cheese Black Bean Pinwheels
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 x 540ml can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 4 x 10" tortillas
Mix all the ingredients, except cream cheese, together. Then spread the cream cheese over the four 10" tortillas. Roll up evenly and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 1 hour and then cut into slices and serve.
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year! From all of us at West Coast Gardens.