Make these traditional holiday party recipes: Spinach Dip, Party Meatloaf and Cheese Bars with a little hot and spicy added. Just these three items alone make a pretty table and a great party.


. Spinach Dip
. Party Meatloaf
. Hot Spiced Cheese Bars


Spinach Dip

INGREDIENTS

1 Package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 Container (16 oz) sour cream
1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
1/2 Cup cream cheese
1 Package Vegetable Soup/Dip Mix
1 Can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and chopped (optional)
3 Green onions, chopped
1 Round loaf of bread*
1 Loaf of French bread, thinly sliced
3/4 Stick of butter, softened
6 Drops hot pepper sauce
1 Clove garlic, finely crushed and mashed

Combine spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, cream cheese, vegetable soup/dip mix, water chestnuts and green onions. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

Make a large cavity in the round loaf. Being careful to leave a one inch bread wall for a sturdy bread basket. Place chilled spinach dip in empty round loaf with the spinach.

Mix butter, hot pepper sauce and garlic into a paste and spread on thin slices of French bread. Place bread under broiler until lightly toasted. Serve with spinach dip.


*Hints*
*Freeze leftover bread to make soft breadcrumbs.


Party Meatloaf

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds fairly lean ground beef
1 packet onion soup mix
1 1/2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
1 jalepeno pepper, finely chopped
1/3 cup catsup
3/4 cup water
2 eggs beaten until frothy yellow

Glaze for Meatloaf

1/2 cup apply jelly
1 tablespoon of Catsup thinned with water


DIRECTIONS

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.

Combine eggs, ketchup, water, and soup mix; mix well. To mix add bread crumbs and beef; mix well, taking care to blend but not over-mix. Place in loaf pan.

Bake meatloaft at 350 degree for about 1 hour 15/20 mins. Brush with glaze then let cool. Slice in 12 equal slices (if appetizer you may want to cut each slice in half)

To make festive, arrange thinly sliced meatloaf on a platter with parsley and sliced apple or cherry tomatoes. Dip apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning. Then brush with remaining apple jelly glaze.

Serves 12/24


Hot Spiced Cheese Bars

INGREDIENTS

2 (8 ounce) packages shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper flakes
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
D
IRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Combine cheese and butter and mix until smooth. Add flour, salt and red pepper and mix until fully blended. Place mixture onto waxed paper and press into a large one inch square. Cut into 48 (apprx.) slim bars. Bake 7 to 9 minutes until nice and golden.

Serves about 24


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