Some Easy to Make Holiday Appetizers for This Holiday Season

Holiday appetizers are all about the different flavors that satisfy your taste buds. Whether it is Christmas evening or a huge party with your friends, a table with assorted appetizers along with a bowl of punch is indeed a great beginning. There are some specific appetizers are there for some occasions like; you can't have Labor Day party without chicken wings or Halloween without crawly cookies.





Let's look at some easy to make holiday appetizers for this holiday season. Mini quiches, are easy to make holiday appetizer. You can add any flavor from chopped olives to tiny shrimps. Filo onion rolls can be the other option where there can be a variation by making triangles instead of long roll. They have to be kept crisp and have to be baked them just before serving. Tapende, is a spread made with different type of chopped olive. Apple mint chutney, any kind of chutneys are great as spread for anything, you can make many different types of ingredients.





There are traditional holiday party appetizers like chips or sandwiches, which can also be a used as Holiday appetizers. Just with cheese balls, you can have many different appetizers like mini cheddar cheese balls, pineapple balls, salmon cheese balls, sausage cheese balls. You can have many different dip recipes like creamy shrimp dip, chili dip, artichoke cheese dip, crockpot spice chile cheese dip, avocado dip, lobster dip, clam sip, beef and bean dip and more such dip with anything you have with you at home. You can have many different salsa recipes.





If you don't want ordinary chips and dip then here are exclusive appetizers for your holiday party. Holiday goat cheese leaf, just make small loaf with goat cheese in plate, cover it with olives, sun dried tomatoes and peppers and spread some pita chips around goat's loaf. Or you can make Cranberry brie pizza, cranberry cream cheese roll ups or special holiday meatballs with various vegetables and meat. Then you can have spiced sausage lettuce wraps. Gingerbread caramel corn is also one very delicious recipe, in this flavor of gingerbread is combined with sweet and crunchy caramel corn.





If you want some show stopper appetizer for your holiday party, you can combine your cooking skills with creativity to produce creative holiday appetizers. You can make Christmas cheese trees with just combination of different cheese and some sauces like pesto sauce. You can make many different creative appetizers with combination of cheese like cheese pinecones or snowman cheese balls and many more. With olives you can make perky olive penguins. You can serve your smoked salmon with cucumber cups. Then you can have different tarts or you can create Santa with strawberries.





Holiday appetizers are usually very rich and heavy. If you want to have some low fat but tasty appetizers like; marmalade, apple butter on lo fat cracker with slices of gourmet cheese. Pears and low fat cheddar cheese is delicious but healthy option. If you chose lean varieties then ham and turkey are low fat meats. Different appetizers made up if Shrimps is also great low fat recipe option.

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Appetizers for Years. For More Information on Holiday appetizers, Visit His Site at HOLIDAY APPETIZERSI Will Also Highly Appreciate Your Views On Holiday appetizers At My Blog here

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Deer Season Entertaining - Easy Venison Recipes

If you live anywhere near a hunter or hunting area, then chances are you are going to get some deer meat. There are some great, easy recipes besides the old, tried and true-deer chili, deer stew, deer roast with vegetables, deer stroganoff, grilled venison tenderloins or chicken fried deer steaks with gravy and mashed potatoes.



Deer Jerky



You aren't a true deer connoisseur unless you have tried to make your own deer jerky. You don't have to have a dehydrator; you can use your oven, set on 200-250, with a hot pad stuck in the oven door to let the moist air out. It can take anywhere from 5-10 hours, depending on how chewy you want it. You can use the meat from the ribs, the flank steaks and the scrap meat that doesn't end up ground in hamburger or sausage for this. Keep in mind that the meat you start with, ends up about a half or two thirds less after drying. Marinate ¼ inch strips and pieces overnight, in some liquid smoke, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, a little seasoning salt, garlic powder and onion powder. Next day, spread meat on wire rack, foil underneath and put in oven until done, 5-10 hours.



An easy appetizer is Venison Cherry Spread



1 pkg. of softened cream cheese, ¼ to ½ cup of dried or fresh crushed cherries or pie filing and leftover cooked venison, roast or ground, (and a few red pepper flakes if desired for heat) and spread on crackers.



Venison Roll-ups are another easy appetizer



Simply slice steaks with the grain to make thin breakfast steaks. Roll around two or three asparagus or green onions, or one of each and secure with a moistened toothpick and throw on the grill until the meat turns brown.



Venison Roast Pizza is an easy leftover meal



Get a cooked, prepared pizza dough, or use a loaf of flatbread or French bread, split. Mix 1 pkg. of softened cream cheese with a tablespoon each of: horseradish sauce, ranch dressing, Italian dressing and spread on pizza dough or bread. Top with leftover venison roast or cooked ground venison, onions, pepper, olives or mushrooms, as desired, top with Italian blend or mozzarella cheese, bake at 350 until golden brown and cheese melts.



Crescent roll Venison Lasagna pie



Take 2 rolls of crescents and open on a pizza pan or (large round baking pan), spread with tips outward, like a sun shape. Mix together: ½ pound of venison, ½ pound sausage, tomato sauce, onions, peppers and green and black olives, and one pack of dry ranch dressing, prepared as instructions. Once mixed, place in the center of the "Sun", top with shredded cheese, fold all the points towards the middle, and bake at 375 until golden and inside is bubbly.



Venison Cottage Cheese Pie



Mix 1 pound of ground venison, mushrooms and onions together and put in a 9" frozen pie shell. In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs and add 1 cup of cottage cheese and pour over the top of the meat mixture. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes until set, or top mixture turns golden brown.



Whether you're an avid hunter or just someone who enjoys the offerings of a hunter you are sure to impress somebody with these easy venison recipes.

You'll find lots of single men and women to share your deer cooking with at RedneckAndSingle.com Over 18,000 single rednecks are waiting to meet you for dating, friendship and adventure. Check out http://www.redneckandsingle.com today.

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Shop in your Kitchen this Holiday Season-- Give the Gift That Keeps on Giving

Are you looking for ways to save this holiday gift-giving season? With your children’s teachers, neighbors, doctors, and even loving grandparents – your gift list just keeps growing. This year give the gift that keeps on giving, without blowing your budget. Homemade goodies reserve a special place amongst the array of store bought gifts. Fruitcake isn’t the only food worth giving this season.
One of my favorite gifts to give are quick breads. Too busy to cook around the holidays? No problem – quick breads are easy to make and can be made ahead of time and frozen.
I promise, Chocolate Zucchini Bread is one of my absolute favorite nutritious-and-delicious quick breads, so don’t let this combination startle you. Easy Cranberry Yam Bread is another family favorite that gets requested every year!   Also, make the bread in different size loaf pans to give an assortment of different type breads—or maybe you need just a little something for a present.
Another great gift idea is my yummy Snack Mix. So easy to whip up, I often find myself craving the combination of this sweet and salty treat. You can use red and green M&M’s to get into that festive holiday spirit. Fill decorative containers with the Snack Mix and this fun gift becomes functional as they have the container to use forever.
The holiday season is often thought of as a season to splurge. Give your wallet and your waistline a break with these holiday favorites. By adding a personal touch to your next holiday gifts you can let your gift-giving list grow without worry. These delicious homemade recipes are the perfect economical gift everyone will enjoy - with a trim and terrific twist.  Visit www.hollyclegg.com or thehealthycookingblog.com for more recipes.
Chocolate Zucchini Bread
This delicious chocolate bread gets extra moisture and nutrition from unassuming zucchini. Chocolate lovers will be delighted.
16 servings/serving size: 1 slice
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup skim milk
1. Preheat oven 350° F.  Coat 9x5x3-inch nonstick loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.  
2. In bowl combine flours, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder.  In medium bowl, mix brown sugar, eggs, oil, vanilla until blended. Stir in zucchini and walnuts.  
3. Using third of flour mixture each time, add flour mixture alternating with milk to zucchini mixture, stirring lightly after each addition just until moist.
4. Transfer batter to pan, bake 45-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.  Do not overbake.
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories 177, Calories from Fat 72, Total Fat 8 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 27 mg, Sodium 108 mg, Total Carbohydrate 24 g, Dietary Fiber 1 g, Sugars, 14 g, Protein 3 g, Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 fat
TERRIFIC TIDBIT: In quick breads, replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour – an easy way to add more nutrition to the bread and enhance the nutty flavor.
Easy Cranberry Yam Bread
Cream cheese gives this incredible, yet easy, bread a rich flavor packed with the natural sweetness of yams and a burst of cranberries. It will top your quick bread list. Toss in some pecans for added flavor and crunch.
Makes 16 slices
1 (8-ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 (15-ounce) can sweet potatoes (yams), drained and mashed
2 eggs
11/2 cups biscuit baking mix
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup dried cranberries, or 1 cup chopped fresh cranberries
1. Preheat oven 350°F. Coat 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in sweet potatoes and eggs. Stir in biscuit mix, cinnamon, nutmeg, cranberries until just blended. Transfer to prepared pan.
3. Bake 45 minutes - 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes before serving.
Nutritional information per serving
Calories 189, Protein (g) 4, Carbohydrate (g) 31, Fat (g) 6, Calories from Fat (%) 26, Saturated Fat (g) 3, Dietary Fiber (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 37, Sodium (mg) 231 Diabetic Exchanges: 1.5 starch, 0.5 fruit, 1 fat
Quick Tip
Mini loaves of quick bread make wonderful homemade gifts. Make ahead, wrap in plastic wrap, place in zipper-lock bags, and freeze until ready to give.
Snack Mix
Here’s an easy recipe that makes a great snack mix any time of day. Sweet and salty mixes are always a great combo and this mix is addicting!
Makes 20 (1/2-cup) servings
3 tablespoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
4 cups crispy wheat cereal squares
6 cups mini pretzels
1 cup soy nuts
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces
1. Preheat oven 250°F. Whisk together sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic salt, and onion powder.
2. Toss together cereal squares, pretzels, soy nuts, and peanuts in large bowl. Drizzle oil mixture over cereal mixture, tossing gently to coat.
3. Scatter mixture on foil-lined jelly roll pan, bake 25 minutes, stirring often to prevent too much browning. Turn off oven and let cereal stay in oven 1 hour to continue crisping. When cool, toss with chocolate candies. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutritional information per serving
Calories 242, Protein (g) 8, Carbohydrate (g) 32, Fat (g) 10, Cal. from Fat (%) 37, Saturated Fat (g) 3, Dietary Fiber (g) 3, Cholesterol (mg) 2, Sodium (mg) 400, Diabetic Exchanges: 0.5 very lean meat, 1 starch, 1 other carbohydrate, 2 fat

Holly Clegg, the "Queen of Quick," is author of the trim&TERRIFIC;cookbook series including a diabetic cookbook with the ADA, Eating Well Through Cancer and KIDS COOKING for Mommies. With almost 1 million copies sold, she reigns supreme when it comes to healthy, delicious everyday meals and party fare. Visit her website at http://hollyclegg.com and check out her blog http://thehealthycookingblog.com .

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Deer Season Entertaining - Easy Venison Recipes

If you live anywhere near a hunter or hunting area, then chances are you are going to get some deer meat. There are some great, easy recipes besides the old, tried and true-deer chili, deer stew, deer roast with vegetables, deer stroganoff, grilled venison tenderloins or chicken fried deer steaks with gravy and mashed potatoes.

Deer Jerky

Meat Loaf

You aren't a true deer connoisseur unless you have tried to make your own deer jerky. You don't have to have a dehydrator; you can use your oven, set on 200-250, with a hot pad stuck in the oven door to let the moist air out. It can take anywhere from 5-10 hours, depending on how chewy you want it. You can use the meat from the ribs, the flank steaks and the scrap meat that doesn't end up ground in hamburger or sausage for this. Keep in mind that the meat you start with, ends up about a half or two thirds less after drying. Marinate ¼ inch strips and pieces overnight, in some liquid smoke, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, a little seasoning salt, garlic powder and onion powder. Next day, spread meat on wire rack, foil underneath and put in oven until done, 5-10 hours.

An easy appetizer is Venison Cherry Spread

1 pkg. of softened cream cheese, ¼ to ½ cup of dried or fresh crushed cherries or pie filing and leftover cooked venison, roast or ground, (and a few red pepper flakes if desired for heat) and spread on crackers.

Venison Roll-ups are another easy appetizer

Simply slice steaks with the grain to make thin breakfast steaks. Roll around two or three asparagus or green onions, or one of each and secure with a moistened toothpick and throw on the grill until the meat turns brown.

Venison Roast Pizza is an easy leftover meal

Get a cooked, prepared pizza dough, or use a loaf of flatbread or French bread, split. Mix 1 pkg. of softened cream cheese with a tablespoon each of: horseradish sauce, ranch dressing, Italian dressing and spread on pizza dough or bread. Top with leftover venison roast or cooked ground venison, onions, pepper, olives or mushrooms, as desired, top with Italian blend or mozzarella cheese, bake at 350 until golden brown and cheese melts.

Crescent roll Venison Lasagna pie

Take 2 rolls of crescents and open on a pizza pan or (large round baking pan), spread with tips outward, like a sun shape. Mix together: ½ pound of venison, ½ pound sausage, tomato sauce, onions, peppers and green and black olives, and one pack of dry ranch dressing, prepared as instructions. Once mixed, place in the center of the "Sun", top with shredded cheese, fold all the points towards the middle, and bake at 375 until golden and inside is bubbly.

Venison Cottage Cheese Pie

Mix 1 pound of ground venison, mushrooms and onions together and put in a 9" frozen pie shell. In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs and add 1 cup of cottage cheese and pour over the top of the meat mixture. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes until set, or top mixture turns golden brown.

Whether you're an avid hunter or just someone who enjoys the offerings of a hunter you are sure to impress somebody with these easy venison recipes.

Deer Season Entertaining - Easy Venison Recipes

You'll find lots of single men and women to share your deer cooking with at RedneckAndSingle.com Over 18,000 single rednecks are waiting to meet you for dating, friendship and adventure. Check out http://www.redneckandsingle.com today.

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