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I finally finished my Christmas shopping today. That’s earlier than most years, but considering that I started around October this year, I was hoping to be done much sooner. I still have to wrap them, but I figure I still have about 5 days to do that…
Every year on Christmas Eve, we have a little family party at my parents’ house. We have hors d’oevres and exchange gifts. Then, we usually watch a holiday movie or play games. It’s a nice, relaxing evening, and I always look forward to it more than Christmas Day.
Here is our annual menu, and the recipes:
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Taco Dip
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1 (16 oz) container of sour cream
- 1/2 packet of taco seasoning mix
- Shredded cheese
- Lettuce
- Black olives
- Tomatoes
Combine the softened cream cheese with the sour cream and taco seasoning mix (you can add more or less to suit your taste). Spread in a 13X9 pan. Top with chopped lettuce, shredded cheese, tomatoes and black olives. Serve with tortilla chips.
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Little Smokies
- 1 package Little Smokies Sausages
- 1/2 cup barbeque sauce (we generally use Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
Combine all three ingredients in a crockpot and let cook on low for several hours.
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Ham and Pickle Roll Ups
- 1 package of ham lunch meat (thick sliced)
- 1 jar of pickles
- 1 package of cream cheese
- Toothpicks
Soften the cream cheese. Spread a thin layer on each slice of ham. Place a pickle in the center and roll up. Secure with toothpicks.
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Pina Colada Punch
- 1 bottle of Pina Colada mix (We use non-alcoholic)
- 1 (2 L) bottle of lemon-lime soda, such as 50/50
- 1 can of frozen pineapple juice concentrate (let sit out for about an hour so it’s not a solid block).
Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl. Serve immediately.
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Crab Dip
- 11 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 (6 ounce) cans crabmeat, drained and flaked
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, onion, mayonnaise, crabmeat, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Spread mixture into a 1 quart baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from oven. Stir. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
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Bagel Dip
- 1 package of cream cheese
- 1 package of sour cream
- 1 packet of ranch dressing mix
- 1 package of thinly sliced ham (about 8 oz)
Chop ham into small pieces. Soften cream cheese and combine with sour cream and ranch seasoning mix in a medium bowl. Add chopped ham and stir to combine. Serve with bagel pieces.
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In addition, we also have shrimp,
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Pickled Herring,
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And a variety of Christmas cookies and candy. Of course we all end up eating way too much, but that’s part of the holiday, I suppose. What are some of your favorite Christmas appetizers and dishes? I’d love to give them a try.
Have a Merry Christmas and I’ll post again soon!
