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| I love cracked glass. Intentionally cracked-that is. Add some cranberries for a nice, seasonal setting. |
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| Banister. Doing something new this year. Less lights and real greenery. Stockings. I just hoping it still has needles come Christmas. |
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| The $10 thrifted nativity. Love it! |
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| Mr. Hippie always buys me a poinsettia during December. He bought the HUGE model this year. |
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| Takes up half of the buffet. |
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| Thanks, Pinterest, for a new card display idea. I have hung them from an empty curtain rod over a window for several years. This puts my kitchen in the Christmas spirit too. |
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| Every day=new additions. |
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| Thanks, Pinterest, for this idea too. 60 stocking ornaments later...I don't care if I ever see another stocking ornament again. |
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| they are kind of whimsical |
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| There are green and red and black and and blue and hippie... |
Did I mention that my Christmas shopping is all done? I know. Completed since Monday. Over 2 weeks before Christmas! Let's not talk about wrapping.
I am getting geared up for our employee dinner on Saturday. I am making stuffed chicken (here), roast beef, mashed red potatoes, green bean bundles (here), rolls, mushroom tapas, wedge salad and punch bowl cake (here). In short, I'm hauling out the big guns. The tried and true recipes that are winners each and every time. There should be between 18 and 20 of us. I am looking forward to it. I know the food and company will be good.
I planned my Christmas Eve menu this week. For the past many years, the BFF and I, plus our husbands and kids, have celebrated Christmas Eve together by having a feast of appetizers. I do mean a feast. We each usually bring 5-6 dishes. Some are guinea pig attempts, and some are old favorites. All is always amazing!
This year I am doing a new to the BFF recipe, though I have made it before. The other 4 recipes are old Barefoot Hippie favorites. Appetizers that simply must make an appearance over the holidays.
Appetizers almost always taste great, but they also generally have some show stopper appeal. They just look nice. Almost no matter what they are.
I find that appetizers tend to fit into a few general categories...
things to dip in
things layered on bread or crackers
things stuffed
things stabbed
things rolled
Did I miss anything?
My two recipes today fit into the things to dip in and things rolled categories. I let you decide which is which.
Warm Bacon Dip
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1-1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
3/4 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup chopped green onion
Assorted crackers
Beat the cream cheese. Add sour cream, cheddar cheese and worcestershire sauce, and stir until combined. Stir in bacon and onions. Pour into a greased 1-1/2 quart backing dish. Cover. Bake at 325 degrees for one hour until heated through.
Warning: this dip is rather addicting.
Cheese and Onion Roll-Ups
1 cup sour cream
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped black or green olives
1 cup chopped ham
10 (8") tortillas
Combine cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients except tortillas and mix well. Spread about 1/4 cup on one side of each tortilla. Roll up, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Slice into 1" slices and serve.
Warning: these are totally not good for your figure. But they are very good.
What are your plans for the weekend? Where are you in your Christmas prep? Are you feeling on top of things or very overwhelmed?
Remember to enjoy the season. Don't be stuck in a marathon of musts, but revel in each moment and each activity.
