Appetizers for Parties!

With the holidays and football going on around here, I have been preparing many appetizers.  Here are a couple of our favorites:

Artichoke Bread

1/3 cup butter
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
4 ounces shredded Mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 French bread loaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the artichoke hearts, Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and sour cream. Stir to blend. Remove from the heat and cool. Slice the bread lengthwise and scoop out some of the center. Spoon the artichoke mixture evenly into the bread shell and sprinkle with the cheddar cheese. Place each half on a baking sheet and cover lightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes or until the cheese melts completely. Cut into slices and serve warm.

Stuffed Jalapeños

15 Jalapeños

1 large block cream cheese

15 slices Bacon  (cut slices in half to make 30)

Slice peppers in half the long way and remove seeds.   Spread cream cheese on jalapenos.  Wrap in bacon.   Cook on cookie sheet for 20-30 minutes at 350.

Sausage Wonton Stars

1 pkg. wonton wrappers

1 pound pork sausage

2 cups shredded Colby cheese

½ medium green pepper, chopped

½ medium sweet red pepper, chopped

2 bunches green onions, sliced

½ cup ranch salad dressing

Lightly press wonton wrappers onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased miniature muffin cups.  Bake at 350 for 5 minutes or until edges are browned.  In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no long pink; drain.  Stir in the cheese, peppers, onions, and salad dressing.  Spoon a rounded tablespoonful into each wonton cup.  Bake for 6-7 minutes or until heated through. 

Makes about 4 dozen.