When I was a kid I remember being at parties with my parents and overhearing the “old people” talking about how fast time was moving. They couldn’t believe it was already such and such time of the year. Meanwhile I was in the corner stuffing my face with every party delicacy I could find.
It was a euphoria of sugar and all things meats.
I think it’s safe to say I might be approaching the group I once considered as the “old people”, but that doesn’t mean I have to reminisce about how we just celebrated New Years a couple of weeks ago. No, my friends, you can {still} find me with Ashley at my side, stuffing our faces with all the goodies.
Eat all the things!
Sure it might not be the “grown up” thing to do, but when there’s amazing apple dip or tasty jamwiches™ or fondue and shrimp avocado salsa who wants to stand around lamenting how fast time moves?
We’re wonderfully present in a plethora of foodie goodness.
So in honor of all the holidays and tasty treats, we want to share a couple of fun, easy recipes you can take to your next gathering.
Easy new years eve party planning platters!
Oreo Cheesecake Shots: {Yields 8} • 12 OREO Cookies, divided • 1 pkg. (8 oz.) brick cream cheese, softened • 1/4 cup sugar • 1 cup thawed frozen whipped topping • 1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam or jam of your choice.
You’ll first want to use a serrated knife to cut 2 cookies into quarters.
Then, chop the remaining 12 cookies into little bits.
Once the cookies are cut, mix the cream cheese and sugar in medium bowl until blended well. You might need to soften the cream cheese to do this. Then stir in whipped topping until blended.
Spoon the mixture into a resealable plastic bag, and cut a small a piece off one bottom corner of bag for squeezing.
Microwave the jam in microwaveable bowl on HIGH for about 10 seconds and stir it.
Using a 3 oz shot glass or small goblet, layer the bottom with some of the chopped cookies, then a swirl of the cream cheese mixture and drizzle with the jam evenly; repeat layers and garnish with quartered cookies.
Step back and marvel at your fantastical little creations.
Burger bites: {Yields 16} • 1/2 lb. lean ground beef • 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard • 4 American cheese slices, quartered • 32 RITZ Crackers • 1/4 small avocados, cut into 8 thin slices, halved • 3 Tbsp. ketchup • 3 Tbsp. chipotle-flavored reduced-fat mayonnaise
Begin by preheating the oven on low broil.
While it’s heating, mix the meat and mustard until blended well and shape into 16 (1-1/2-inch) patties.
Cook (low broil) the patties on the top rack for about 4 minutes.
Then flip them and cook for another 2-4 mins. {Total of 6 to 8 min. or until done (160°F).}
Top with cheese pieces; broil another 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted.
Place cheeseburgers on 16 crackers; top with avocados, ketchup, mayonnaise and remaining crackers to make sandwiches.
{Helpful hint: If you don’t have, or cannot find chipotle-flavored mayonnaise it is easy to make your own. Simply add 1 teaspoon of chipotle sauce to 3 Tablespoons of Mayonnaise and blend throughly. You can find chipotle sauce on the same aisle as the fajitas mixes at Publix.)
Make sure to check out the ultimate party planner site for some more fun easy recipes to entertain with during the holiday season!
As always, let us know if you try it – we certainly had a great time eating our little photo shoot!
Have an inspired day!
Alice says
Perfection! So making these. And I love those goblets! They’re so pretty!
Jenna says
Yummy! So trying this for a last minute thing we have tonight!