Tantalizing Thursday-Holiday Appetizers

Welcome to Tantalizing Thursday on Chief 187™Chatter.

There are times when a huge holiday dinner is expected – Thanksgiving, Christmas, a family gathering for Chanukah. But other times it is much more gratifying for all involved – host and guests – to have some appetizers to nosh on while the conversation easily flows. All foods prepared before the guests arrive leaving the host free to enjoy his/her own party.

Here are some easy entertaining ideas for an appetizer-heavy menu.

Most people love the taste of pizza so this dip should be a big hit at your next gathering.

Layered Pizza Dip
Recipe found on http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/layered-pizza-dip/d9ca8556-0809-43cc-a849-a0cadc5a8d43?sc=Christmas%20Appetizer%20Recipes&term=Christmas%20Appetizer&itemId=bf150c81-178d-41ab-99bd-c256a80435a6

Ingredients:

1 (8-oz.) container soft cream cheese with chives and onions
½ cup pizza sauce
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
1/3 cup finely chopped pepperoni
2 oz. (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 oz. (1/2 cup) shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In ungreased 9-inch pie pan or 1 to 1 1/2-quart baking dish, layer all ingredients in order listed.
2. Bake at 350°F. for 10 to 15 minutes or until dip is hot and cheese is melted.
3. Serve warm with bagel crisps, bagel chips, pita chips, or crackers.


The following festive-looking and delicious appetizer will not only look Christmassy, but will also taste great!

Christmas Tree Appetizer
Recipe found on http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/christmas-tree-appetizers/5be11197-3d57-4226-9f11-c964abec91ad?sc=Christmas%20Appetizer%20Recipes&term=Christmas%20Appetizer&itemId=bf150c81-178d-41ab-99bd-c256a80435a6

Ingredients:


1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
½ cup chopped drained roasted red bell peppers (from 7.25-oz jar)
¼ cup chopped ripe olives
¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 spinach-flavor flour tortillas (8 to 10 inches in diameter)
Ripe olive pieces


Directions:

1. In medium bowl, mix all ingredients except tortillas and olive pieces. Divide mixture among tortillas, spreading to edges of tortillas. Roll up tightly. Press each tortilla roll into triangle shape, using fingers. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
2. To serve, cut rolls into 1/2-inch slices. Place olive piece at bottom of each triangle to look like tree trunk; secure with toothpick.



If you are loving the Christmas-tree motif for appetizers then you will enjoy this next recipe.


Pita Tree Appetizers
Recipe found on http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/pita-tree-appetizers/65a94ae1-56dd-4767-9816-07f71b2f6832?sc=Christmas%20Appetizer%20Recipes&term=Christmas%20Appetizer&itemId=bf150c81-178d-41ab-99bd-c256a80435a6

Ingredients:


4 flavored or plain pita folds or pita (pocket) breads (about 6 inches in diameter)
16 thin pretzel sticks, halved
½ cup fat-free sour cream
½ cup guacamole
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
¼ teaspoon garlic-pepper blend
¼ cup very finely chopped red bell pepper


Directions:

1. Cut each pita fold into 8 wedges. Insert pretzel stick half into center of bottom of each wedge to form "tree trunk."
2. In small bowl, mix sour cream, guacamole, parsley and garlic-pepper blend. Spread about 1 teaspoon sour cream mixture on each pita wedge.
3. Blot bell pepper with paper towel to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon bell pepper on each wedge or arrange to form a garland. If desired, cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours before serving.


Finally, most people love the classic spinach dip but not everybody has the recipe readily available. Here is a version for you to try and file away for the future as it is sure to be a huge hit.


Creamy Spinach Dip
Recipe found on http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/creamy-spinach-dip/efd6304a-2f12-415e-b87f-88d5eea46586?sc=Christmas%20Appetizer%20Recipes&term=Christmas%20Appetizer&itemId=bf150c81-178d-41ab-99bd-c256a80435a6

Ingredients:


1 box (9 oz) Green Giant® frozen chopped spinach
1 container (8 oz) sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon celery salt
½ teaspoon dried dill weed
¼ teaspoon onion salt
¼ cup chopped green onions
1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained, finely chopped
1 jar (2 oz) diced pimientos, drained
Crackers or cut-up fresh vegetables


Directions:

1. Cook spinach as directed on package. Cool slightly; squeeze to drain well.

2. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, celery salt, dill and onion salt. Stir in cooked spinach, onions, water chestnuts and pimientos. Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours to blend flavors. Serve dip with crackers.


You could also hollow out a great, crusty round loaf of bread to spoon this spinach dip into while using the bread cut into 1-inch pieces for dippers.

Serving cut up raw vegetables on the table to accompany these recipes is always a good idea. These ideas will fill a holiday table. Simply serve all of the Christmas cookies you’ve been making or buying for dessert and the meal is complete!

Please join me tomorrow for the week-ending and interactive Friday Music Blog on Chief 187™Chatter.

The Gift Giver

Welcome to Freestyle Wednesday on Chief 187™Chatter.

I used social media – Facebook and Twitter – to informally poll my readership yesterday about whether today’s post should be another Gift Guide or a topic on which I “wax poetic”. Many people “Like”d the posts, but only a few people answered.

The resounding response was to nix the Gift Guide and just let me write free-flow. This surprised me at first as my Gift Guides from the last two weeks had gotten the most views of each week. It seemed people were hungry for or at least curious about my suggestions.

But the responders to my poll stated they were gifted out. Too much emphasis had been placed on gifts and not on anything else this season.

This is difficult for me to process. Of course I understand the frustration one would feel with the ever-expanding gift list, children and adults who no longer write thank you notes, and a culture that emphasizes gifts equating love.

On the other hand, I express love through gifts. There are many ways people express love but this is one of my primary ways. It’s not about the expense for me – I am a huge bargain shopper who shops year-round – but the feeling I get when I give to those I love. Remember, it’s the thought that counts and I am always trying to think what I could give to honor the person.

I do fully understand that material things do not translate to love. Centuries have unfolded, however, with a mythic being known in America as Santa Claus. In other cultures he is known by numerous other names and also has delivered gifts this time of year. Gifting at Christmas is nearly as old as Christmas itself. In the case of the Three Wise Men, it is as old as the first Christmas!

Gifting, when done “right”, is a truly selfless act. It is not a demand for reciprocation but a gesture of kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity.

I delight in not only gifting to my children and helping Santa make their wishes come true, but also for my friends and family.

Yes, the economy makes it difficult. But with creativity, a shop-year-round plan, and a sharp eye allows me to “spoil” all of those on my gift list.

Christmas is about family, faith, food, decorations, music, and, yes, gifts.

Remember when Ebenezer Scrooge finally has an epiphany about Christmas in A Christmas Carol, he immediately goes shopping!

Whether you make gifts, shop for them, or offer your services as a gift, gifting is a very vital part of the holidays.

For those who were hoping for another Gift Guide, don’t worry, there will be more this season. And, if you simply cannot wait, you can check the archives here at Chief 187™Chatter for past years’ ones.

For those who voted for me “waxing poetic”, I hope you enjoyed my reasons for delighting in gift giving.

Please join me tomorrow for a Christmas-themed Tantalizing Thursday on Chief 187™Chatter.

Simple Joys

Welcome to Simple Joys on Chief 187™Chatter.

There are many ways Simple Joys slip into my day elevating my mood, changing the direction of my day, and keeping a smile on my face.

There were times in the past that I could not see beyond my problems, stresses, and dilemmas in my life. I could become overwhelmed easily and not find my way out of the corners I would paint myself into crazily. The holiday season was a particularly difficult time to navigate.

Now when things go south, I lose my way, and the insanity in my life takes over, I keep my eyes open for the Simple Joys that are lurking around the corner.

As silly as it may sound, as simplistic as it is, concentrating on all the goods in my day - the Simple Joys - helps me keep a positive attitude, believe in the good, and get through the detours life throws my way.

Best part? Simple Joys are available for the enjoying by all. People simply need to open their heart and mind to the existence of Simple Joys and they can be consistently enjoyed.

And now, without further ado, is this week's Simple Joys.

2012 Finale. Last week my team and I on the Drafting the Circuits radio program gave our last LIVE broadcast of 2012. When I promoted the show like I do weekly, I had a lovely outpouring of responses. At the end of a very long season, navigating uncharted waters in my life, I was weary and still unsure of the impact of the show.

Having the warm and encouraging feedback, a great show, and a good feeling for next season was a relief of a Simple Joy that still has me smiling.

Santa Bowling. My family celebrates St. Nicholas Day. On the night of December 5th my entire family leaves one pair of their shoes out for St. Nicholas to fill. On the morning of December 6th we all rush to see what was left. Usually a foil-wrapped chocolate Santa is there along with some seasonal toys and gifts - Santa-themed wind-up toys, puzzles, and the like. This year St. Nicholas left my children an inexpensive miniature bowling game - tiny pins and a bowling ball the size of a large marble. I'll be darned if that toy hasn't provided hours of enjoyment for my little ones.

Celebrating St. Nicholas Day and seeing the simplest toys bring such huge contentment, joy, and enthusiasm to my children is an annual Simple Joy.

"Frosty the Snowman". This year my daughter has gotten totally into Christmas. She adores the ornaments on the tree, looking for decorated houses at night in the car, and listening to Christmas music. She even enjoys when I dress her in Christmas attire.

Her favorite animated special is Frosty the Snowman. She has watched it several times this season. In the car, when the radio is on the station that plays only Christmas music, she is thrilled when "Frosty the Snowman" plays.

Recently she's begun singing the words without a prompt. She belts out the lyrics (accurately) in her enthusiastic three-year-old loud and expressive way.

Seeing my child embrace my love for the sounds of the holiday with reckless abandon is a Simple Joy that warms my heart completely.

Sugar cookies. Last week I began making Christmas cookies in earnest. All three of my children were able to "assist" me which is really them trying to eat raw dough, freshly baked (re: blazing hot) cookies, and helping to decorate (frosting and sprinkles directly into the mouth sans cookies).

This all day chore should produce picture-perfect, magazine-ready cookies, but they do not. No matter the way my cookies look, they are the most beautiful to me because my junior cookie makers make this once odious task a huge Simple Joy for the holidays.

Santa. Over the weekend I had an opportunity to take my children to see Santa. It is always a crap shoot to take three children of varying ages to sit on Santa's lap and expect relaxed faces, calm yet excited demeanor, and a gorgeous picture as an end result.

All of the stars must have aligned perfectly on Saturday because my kids all approached Santa enthusiastically, smiled beautifully for the picture, and formulated their thoughts to tell Santa only one thing they wanted for Christmas.

Having such a positive experience with Santa for all of my children was a Simple Joy that I have evidence existed and am much appreciative.

My niece. Once again I was fortunate to spend quality time with my niece this past weekend. She is a joy to be around, a fine young woman, and just plain fun!

Having opportunity to hang out with my niece for an extended period of time is a Simple Joy I cherish!

Simple Joys come in all shapes, forms, and identities. I extract great joy from the gum I chew, watching Glee, - both current and old seasons - my lipstick that stays on, and the way my husband feels when he kisses me.

Bad moments no longer hijack my day. I still have them, but I am able to let them go far quicker knowing Simple Joys are waiting to be had.

The best part is, Simple Joys are there for you, too.

When life is on overload, keep your mind open to the possibilities of Simple Joys. The joke on Facebook, a call from your best friend, or your favorite ice cream beckoning can all add up to moments of Simple Joys that change your perspective from bad to good.

It truly is that simple.

Wishing you all a week filled with Simple Joys.

Please join me tomorrow as I wax poetic on yet another topic on Freestyle Wednesday on Chief 187™Chatter.

Monday Media Blog-Christmas Special

Welcome to the Monday Media Blog on Chief 187™Chatter.

I grew up at a time when Bob Hope’s annual Christmas special aired. Seeing his programs chock full of stars, his unique brand of humor, and the strong message that he would never forget America’s armed forces inspired me even as a child.

Today stars get their own Christmas specials, but a lot of times they are one-offs because the name in question is only a name for one season. Others are true to their craft, their heart, and their beliefs. Some even follow in Hope's footsteps and entertain the troops.

Long gone are the days of Hope’s stamina, consistency, star power, and heart.

Still, Christmas variety shows are peddled out yearly. What are your favorites from the past and/or today? Cite the host, guest stars, skits, and any other information.

And if you want to channel Bob Hope and honor his good works on behalf of our incredible military, please visit http://USO.org.

Friday Music Blog-Christmas Inspiration

Welcome to the Friday Music Blog on Chief 187™Chatter.

My Christmas music can be divided into several major categories, songs that make me sad and wistful, songs that fill me with faith and peacefulness, and songs that make me giddy with excitement.

This week’s focus is Christmas songs that bring forth a message of peace and a restoration in faith. As all of my topics are subjective, please interpret this in any way you see fit and leave your selections below.

I encourage you to revisit this blog throughout the day and weekend as new entries are added periodically.

Weekends are an excellent time to read and reread posts at Chief 187™Chatter. There are several Gift Guides from this year and previous ones to help with shopping needs this holiday season. Recipes for entertaining, cookie/candy making, and even leftovers appear on Tantalizing Thursday posts. Simple Joys can help get through rough spots you may be having. And the Monday Media Blog can offer up numerous titles across the board in television, movies, and video games to keep you entertained.

If shopping from home is a more pleasant activity than fighting the malls and traffic of the outside world, please use my Amazon link located on the right hand side of this page. Simply enter through my link, browse, add to your cart, and check out in one transaction and at no extra cost to you I benefit nicely from your efforts.

The Chief 187™ fan may appreciate a gift from my collection. My online store located at http://cafepress.com/Chief187 has an assortment of products at every price point. From apparel to housewares, paper products to bags and electronic sleeves, the items are useful, whimsical, and all feature a unique design incorporating the Chief 187™ custom logo, my likeness, and/or the Chief 187 website printed on the items. Do an online search for coupon codes at Cafepress for significant savings on the products – coupons change nearly daily so look often.

Finally I’d like to thank you all, once again, for continuing to make Chief 187™Chatter a part of your routine. By reading, commenting, sharing, and visiting this page you help make it a success and encourage me to continue writing, exploring, and soaring.

Wishing you all Simple Joys throughout this holiday season!

I invite you to join me again on Monday as I begin a fresh, new, and original week of works on Chief 187™Chatter.

Tantalizing Thursday-Taking it Easy

Welcome to Tantalizing Thursday on Chief 187™Chatter.

Christmas season is upon us and with it comes many opportunities to entertain. There are Open Houses, impromptu visits, Cookie exchanges, cocktail parties, dessert parties, dinner parties, brunches, and, of course, the big meals themselves.

This time of year sticking with tried and true recipes is the way to go. Now is not the time to experiment, test, or reveal a new dish.

But it is nice to shake up the ordinary and routine. In addition, it is lovely to take help from the grocery store when possible. Nowhere does it state that every food item must be homemade from scratch to be loved and appreciated by family and friends over the holidays.

Here are some of the ideas I have for entertaining easily leaving me time to actually attend and enjoy my own party.

Appetizers

Having one star appetizer is great. A hot dip, prepared delectable, or cold delicacy are all great ideas – think a spicy warmed queso dip, pepperoni melts on party rye, or shrimp cocktail.

But to flesh out the scene use things like an olive assortment, fine cheeses on a platter, assorted fruits or crudité.

To add some holiday appeal, try making your own version of a “Santa Mix” to add for a sweet layer of flavor.

Mix together any combination of the following or add your favorites to make a sweet mix:

Red and Green M&Ms (plain, peanut, almond, peanut butter, or your favorite flavors)
Bridge mix (this is chocolate covered assorted nuts and raisins and can be found in your local grocery store)
Roasted peanuts (with salt, low salt, or unsalted)
Corn nuts (if you like them)
Toasted lo mein noodles (found in the international aisle in the Asian food section in a canister)

Mix these ingredients in whatever ratio pleases you and serve in a cute holiday-motif bowl.

Main course

Roasts are delicious, casseroles are homey, and pastas are superb, but sometimes you just want someone else to do the work.

Rotisserie chickens are delicious, available, and so reasonable. From your local grocery store to the nearest Costco these chickens should never be overlooked as a dinner option. And do overbuy. Served first as a carved chicken, the meal is delightful. Leftovers, however, can be done as a pot pie, tacos, or sandwiches and more!

Side dishes

I find it easy and even enjoyable to prepare fresh vegetables for steaming in my microwave. Others don’t have the time or inclination. In that case, use the frozen vegetables to help get the meal on the table.

Frozen veggies are flash frozen at the peak of freshness so when they are prepared according to package directions they are darn tasty.

Prepared potato products – both white and sweet – are everywhere now, too. Pick up a tub of mashed potatoes, whipped sweet potatoes, or any other potato side dish like latkes (potato pancakes) and keep your meal humming without all of the mess.

Dessert

Want to make Christmas cookies but don’t want to invest the time to make the dough? Use refrigerated doughs!

Online there are myriad “recipes” to change store-brand refrigerated doughs into spectacular and wholly differently tasting cookies. Besides, most people like the decorating, not the making of dough.

Of course, if you are a mess in the kitchen, both literally and figuratively, then you can certainly resort to buying at the local bakery, ice cream shop, or grocery store for their incredible treats.

The whole point of entertaining for the holidays is opening your home. It’s not about how many hours you slave in the kitchen before, during, and after your guests.

Take help where you can, say “Yes” when an offer of “What can I bring?” comes in, and serve all of your dishes with a smile.

Wishing you a stress-free, scrumptious season of entertaining!

Santa's Helper Gift Guide

Welcome to Freestyle Wednesday on Chief 187™Chatter. This week’s focus is a Santa’s Helper Gift Guide.

Stuffing stockings takes a lot of work, creativity, and patience so why not help Santa this year by utilizing these ideas? Make the brands, styles, and items fit your taste or the taste of the person whose stocking you are helping Santa stuff!

Santa’s Helper Gift Guide 2012

Lip balm
Tire gauge
Rain X

Car wash certificates
Car wash supplies – soap, sponges, towels, tire cleaner
Scraper to keep in the car
Hand/feet warmers
Life Savers
Tic Tacs, especially holiday flavors
Foiled wrapped chocolate candy – the good brands

Specialty coffees, teas, and hot cocoa packets
Chocolate coated spoon/stirrer (can be purchased or made at home)
Matchbox/Hot Wheels cars
Small Lego sets
Pocket-sized dolls and accessories
Earbuds, especially with something cool to fit the recipients personality (Skull and cross bones, Hello Kitty, etc.)

Lipstick, mascara, eyeshadow, brow pencil, et al. – best if you know the brand recipient uses
Candle lighter
Candle snuffer
Candles
Batteries
Nail tools
Nail polishes
Jewelry

Socks
Slippers, especially slipper socks
Calendar, pocket or otherwise
Jam/jelly
Micro-plane/grater
Exotic spices
Pencil sharpener
Pens/pencils
Erasers
Notepads/memo pads
Package of Thank you notes
Handheld game

Paper napkins of all sizes for all occasions, holidays and otherwise
New Year’s Eve paraphernalia like blowers, confetti, plastic champagne glasses, 2013 glasses, necklaces, etc.
Popcorn, microwavable, or kernels for an air-pop machine, or some Jiffy-Pop for the stove top
Deck of playing cards
Bridge for Dummies book to bring this great came back into vogue
Barrettes/ headbands
More jewelry

Watch
Jacob’s Ladder, a great toy. Don’t know what it is? Look it up!
Barbie clothes
A package of Army men
Diary/Journal
Homemade gift certificates for favors – stay up passed curfew, mow the lawn, fix dinner, back massage, extra hour on computer/Wii
Seedlings
Gardening gloves and tools
Magnifying glass, especially a lit one

Favorite magazine, really cool if you got the subscription
The “Expensive” key ring for their make/model
Perfume/cologne, even the free samples
Cash
Gift cards for fast food restaurants, donut place, coffee place, iTunes, Amazon, Facebook, etc.
Gourmet pasta/sauce/croutons/breadsticks/olive oil/vinegar – 1 or more or a combination
Jewelry cleaner
Silver polish
Magnets
Christmas ornament, start a collection for someone or simply buy/make them something you love for them
Gum
Mechanix gloves

A canister of bungee cords
Neck pillow – yeah, seriously
Coupons for local eateries, products the recipients use, etc.
Decorative hooks
Reusable and beautiful chopsticks
Box of crayons
Collectible coins
Gloves/mittens, especially hand knitted
Wallet/change purse/clutch, especially with a token cash gift included
Orange/apple or other fruit to put in the toe
Bubbles
Toothbrush/toothpaste/travel toothbrush holder
USB drive
Memory stick
Baby doll/stuffed animal to stick out of the top of the stocking
Candy canes either traditional peppermint or modern choices like fruit-flavored or chocolate mint
Did I mention jewelry?!

There are infinite ideas with which to fill the stocking, or assist Santa in this case.

It is a great joy for me to share my ideas, but I would love to read yours as well.

For more great ideas to help Santa, check the archives or use the “search” feature located on the upper left hand side of this page.

Happy gathering!