Cranberry Cheese Spread

This is a tasty recipe that is perfect to take somewhere when you need a quick appetizer. This recipe makes enough for two appetizers. Serve this with crackers.

Cranberry Cheese Spread

2 pkg. (8oz. ea.) cream cheese, softened

1 can (14oz.) whole berry cranberry sauce

1 can (4oz.) chopped green chilies, drained

1 green onion, sliced

1 Tbsp lime juice

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp chili powder

assorted crackers

Place cream cheese on a serving plate. Combine the cranberry sauce, green chilies, onion, lime juice and spices in a small bowl. Spoon over cream cheese. Serve with crackers.

Crock Pot Smoked Sausage Snack

People love this recipe. It couldn't be easier and makes for a great addition to a party or potluck. I use turkey based sausage but any kind will do. You could even use the little weenies from Hillshire Farms.

Crock Pot Smoked Sausage Snack

3 lbs smoked sausage cut into bite size pieces (1/2 round discs is what I usually do)

2 C brown sugar

1/2 C cider vinegar

mustard for dipping if desired

If your sausage isn't low fat, boil for about 10 min to remove fat. Place sausage in crock pot and combine remaining ingredients and pour over sausages. Cook on high for 3 hours then to low for remainder of cycle.

Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Dip

This had me at cream cheese. Fabulous dip for parties or potlucks. Make sure to use a crock pot liner that's sprayed with nonstick spray, you'll thank me at the end of the night.

Chicken Enchilada Dip

4 cooked chicken breasts; shredded

1 red pepper, finely chopped

1C chopped onion

8oz cream cheese softened

4 oz can chopped green chilis

1 C mayo (NOT Miracle Whip)

1 tsp lemon juice

1 pkg taco seasoning

tabasco to taste

Combine all ingredients; heat in crock pot on high until cream cheese is melted. Turn to low or warm and continue to heat through. Serve with pita or tortilla chips.

Crab Rangoon Dip with Wonton Chips

I've made this a few times and it's been met with RAVE reviews!! People can't get enough of it. It's easy peasy so make it for your next get together.

Crab Rangoon Dip

1 pkg cream cheese, softened
1 garlic clove, pressed
4 oz shredded Swiss cheese
3/4 cup sweet and sour sauce
8 oz imitation crab meat
1 green onion with top (about 1/4 cup thinly sliced)
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
Crispy Wonton Chips (recipe follows)

In small Bowl, combine cream cheese and garlic. Add Swiss cheese; mix until well blended. Spread cream cheese mixture over bottom of glass pie plate.

Spoon sweet and sour sauce over cream cheese mixture. Coarsely chop crab meat; sprinkle evenly over sauce. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 4-6 minutes or until outside edges of dip are bubbly and dip is heated through. (I've also baked this at 350F until I had the desired results)

Meanwhile, thinly slice green onion. Sprinkle dip with green onion and almonds. Serve dip warm using Crispy Wonton Chips, if desired.

Yield: 16 servings

Crispy Wonton Chips

32 square wonton wrappers

vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 375 F. Cut wonton wrappers in 1/2 diagonally and arrange on baking sheet. Spray or brush lightly with oil or cooking spray.

Bake 8-10 min or until golden brown and crisp. Cool chips completely and use as needed.