Cooking with Susie Q – Week of December 26, 2018

6 years ago

We are about to say goodbye to 2018 and hello to 2019.  Many of us are planning a New Year’s Eve celebration. Certainly a great opportunity to get together with family and friends.  Here are a couple of recipes to add to your list of snacks for your guests. Happy New Year!

Spinach Cheese Ball

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 (4 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped

1 (.4 ounce) packet dry vegetable soup mix

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions: In a large bowl, mix together the spinach, cream cheese, water chestnuts, vegetable soup mix, mayonnaise and Cheddar cheese until well blended. Form into a ball, and roll in chopped walnuts. If the mixture is too soft to form a ball, refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight to blend the flavors before serving with your favorite crackers.

Smoked Salmon Mousse

4 ounces smoked salmon

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed to taste

salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Place smoked salmon in a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. Mix in heavy cream, cream cheese, juice of half of a lemon, dried dill weed, salt and pepper. Blend to desired consistency. Transfer to a medium serving dish. You can garnish with red salmon roe, if desired.  Serve with your favorite crackers, or bagel chips.

I really enjoy this time with you each week and would love to hear from you. Do you have any requests? Is there a recipe you have been looking for or remember from your younger years? Can I help you find it? Do you have any recipes that are special to you that you could share with us? Please contact me at susieqcooking@outlook.com or c/o Pioneer Times, P.O. Box 456, Houlton, Maine 04730.