Hoosier Home Cookin'

It's almost time to usher out 2007 and ring in 2008. My, has the time flown by this year? This week I'm featuring a few great appetizers for a wonderful New Year's celebration. Chunky Cream Cheese is delicious served with wheat crackers. Chicken Cheese Dip is a great savory dip best served with Triscuits or other heavy crackers. Crab Meat Surprise is another super simple, yet delicious dip. And, Ham Pinwheels round out a great New Year's Eve Spread.

Happy New Year and Happy eating!
Chunky Cream Cheese





1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1/4 C. powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 tsp. lemon extract
1/2 C. pecans, finely chopped

Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and lemon extract. Beat at medium speed of an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in pecans. Chill until ready to serve. Makes about 1 cup.
Chicken Cheese Dip


1 small can Devilled chicken
1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1/2 C. Hellmann's mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients and roll in sliced almonds or chopped pecans. Serve with crackers.
Crab Meat Surprise







1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1 small can white crab meat
1 jar hot or mild cocktail sauce

Drain crab meat and flake over whole cream cheese bar. Pour sauce over meat and serve with crackers.
Ham Pinwheels








1 C. ground cooked ham
1 (3-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

1 tsp. horseradish
2 T. mayonnaise
1 sandwich loaf, sliced quarter inch
thick lengthwise
soft butter
stuffed green olives

Blend ham, cheese, horseradish and mayo. Trim crusts from bread. Spread each slice with butter, then with 3 T ham mixture, Line up olives at narrow end; roll bread as for jelly roll. Seal end with small amount of soft butter. Wrap and chill, seam side down. To serve, unwrap and cut into half inch slices. Makes 42 bites.