Great Dip and Appetizer Recipes for the Entertainer

If you're anything like me, you love those easy recipes for your large entertaining needs. It could be a dinner party, just a casual dinner with friends, or even a football party. I have put together just a few of my favorite recipes.

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened

1/2 cup chopped tomato

1/2 cup cucumbers

1/2 cup chopped spinach leaves

1/2 cup chopped red onions

2 Tbsp. Greek Vinaigrette Dressing

1/4 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese with Basil & Tomato

Spread the cream cheese on the bottom of a pie pan. Mix remaining ingredients except feta cheese; spoon over the cream cheese. Sprinkle with feat cheese. Serve with crackers of your choice or assorted fresh vegetables.

*For less fat, use Neufchatel Cheese instead of cream cheese.

*Another variation of the dip would be to leave off the feta cheese. However, this cheese gives it an extra added touch.

*Prep Time: 10 minutes

*Makes 1 1/2 cups or 12 servings, 2 Tbsp each.

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese

1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing

2 cloves garlic, sliced

3 small sprigs fresh rosemary, stems removed

6 sprigs fresh thyme, cut into pieces

1 tsp. black peppercorns

Peel of 1 lemon, cut into thin strips

Cut cream cheese into 36 pieces. Place in a 9-inch pie plate.

Next add the remaining ingredients; toss lightly. Cover.

Refrigerate the nibbles for at least 1 hour, but can chill in the refrigerator for 24 hours. For best results, serve with crusty bread, crackers or pita chips.

Prep time: 10 minutes plus refrigeration time.

Makes 18 servings, 2 pieces each.

1 pkg. (9 oz) Shaved Smoked Ham

5 Tbsp. Cream Cheese Spread

15 Asparagus Spears (approximately 1 lb.), trimmed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Flatten ham slices and pat dry. Stack 2 slices of ham; spread with 1 tsp. of the cream cheese spread.

Place 1 asparagus spear on each stack of ham and cheese spread; roll up. Place in a baking dish.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Makes 15 servings, 1 roll-up each

2 pkg. (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened

1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli

1 medium carrot, shredded

1/2 cup Blue Cheese Dressing

Mix cream cheese and dressing until well blended. Stir in vegetables and cover.

Place in the refrigerator for several hours or until chilled.

Serve with assorted cut up vegetables.

Prep time: 10 minutes plus refrigeration.

Makes 20 servings, 2 Tbsp. each

Hope you enjoy!