We are about to say “goodbye” to 2015 and “hello” to 2016. 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@ainop.com or c/o Pioneer Times, P.O. Box 456, Houlton, Maine 04730.
