If you don't want a "meat type" dish, these are WONDERFUL and people just seem to back for more. They are very similar to "cheese straws", but you make them into a small "cookie/cracker" instead.
Cheese Crisps
1 cup softened margarine (i use margarine because butter makes them "sweet tasting"
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups grated sharp cheese (extra sharp is best)
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
2 cups crisp rice cereal.
** TIP - grate your cheese and then measure, don't try to equate xx oz - xx cups.
In a mixing bow, cream the butter until fluffy, add cheese, salt and cayenne pepper. Mix in flour and then stir in the Rice Krispies. Shape into small balls and put on baking sheet. Flatten with fork. Bake in 350 degree oven for 15-17 minutes until lightly browned.
These are a holiday staple at our house.
I also make spinach dip that gets raves, it is very similar to the recipe on the back of the KNORR box, but not quite the same:
1 16oz container sour cream (real stuff - not reduced fat)
1/2 cup mayonaise (real stuff too)
3 green onions, chopped
1 can water chesnuts, chopped
1 small box chopped spinach
1 box Knorr Vegetable Soup/Dip mix (no substitutions)
Thaw spinach and squeeze water out. Mix all ingredients and let sit overnight. It is important to let it sit overnight so the flavors "blend". I LOVE this with FRITO'S, but that's like ASKING for clogged arteries.....not that the dip itself isn't bad. You can serve with any kind of cracker, etc.
Okay....one more. This is a great cheese ball, the mixture of the flavors is great. It is in my "Tea Time at the Masters" cookbook:
The "Now Famous" Cheese Ring
1 lb grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup pecans, chopped
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 medium onion, grated (I like to use a sweet onion)
1 clove garlic, pressed - I have substituted garlic powder
1/2 tsp hot sauce (or to taste)
1 cup (or small jar) strawberry preserves
Combine all ingredients, except preserves and mix well. Mold into a ring (I use a bundt pan for a full recipe or a jello mold for 1/2 recipe - spray with cooking spray first or put plastic wrap in it for easier "unmolding"). Chill. Unmold cheese and fill center with strawberry preserves. Serve with crackers.
I hope you have a wonderful time at your functions!
