EDIBLE PINECONE?? TURKEYS ON A STICK??

Pinecone Cheeseball: Homemade goodness that looks like a pinecone! Festive appetizer for your fall holiday table!

Pinecone Cheeseball:

1-1/4 cup whole almonds

1 Pkg. cream cheese (8 oz.), softened

1/2 Cup mayonnaise

5 bacon slices - crisply cooked and crumbled

1 Tablespoon. chopped green onion

1/2 teaspoon dill weed

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Cooking Directions:

Spread almonds in a single layer in a shallow pan. Bake at 300 degrees (F.) for 15 minutes, stirring often, until almonds just begin to turn color.

Combine cream cheese and mayonnaise, mixing well. Add the bacon, onion, dill and pepper. Mix well. Cover and chill overnight.

Form mixture into shapes of two pinecones on a serving platter. Beginning at the narrow edge (or point), arrange almonds at a slight angle into the cheese mixture, pressing gently in rows. Continue overlapping the rows until all the cheese is covered.

Garnish with fresh sprigs of rosemary. Serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices. Makes 1 ½ cups

NOW, here's the fun part , you can change out the ingredients to your liking.  Keep the cream cheese as a base, add mayo or even sour cream or greek yogurt, then play with the rest. Here are some ideas:

*shredded cheddar, dry ranch dressing mix (half packet)red onions, minced

*chopped ham instead of bacon

*just dried dill weed and minced sweet onions

 Chill before serving, 8-24 hrs is best. The flavors will have a chance to mingle.

NOW FOR A FUN PLACE MARKER AND/OR DESSERT!

Turkey Cookie Pops

Ingredients:

12 cream filled vanilla cookies such as vanilla Oreo’s

12 Nutter Butter bite size cookies

12 lollipop sticks

1 bag of candy corn

24 small (approx. 3/8 in.) candy eyeballs (found in cupcake decorations isle at craft store)

1 tube of pre-made red icing (not gel)

12 pre-cut  lengths of ribbon to match (approx. 6-8 in. each)

Optional:

12 blank placecards

Single Paper hole punch

Assembly Directions:   Open two vanilla cream cookies, save each half that has the most cream. 

 Put them together..

Place the now "double stuff" cream filled cookie on a flat surface. 

Gently insert a lollipop stick into the cream between the pieces until will stay in place. Press gently to adhere.

 At the opposite side of the cookie, insert individual pieces of candy corn, pointed side in first, to resemble tail feathers.

(side note= these nutter butter bites can also be used in an edible acorn treat as seen on another of my recent blog posts..check it out)

Carefully separate one side from a bite size nutter butter cookie, so that all or most of the cream is on one side. Use this piece, and cream side down, press gently but firmly to middle of vanilla oreo.

Make sure the lollipop stick is facing down and onto the nutter butter cookie, press two candy eyes with a tiny dab of red icing underneath to glue it in place. The red should not show. I apologize for not having a picture of the candle eyeballs. 

They are usually found with candy and cupcake decorations in your local craft store. Apparently, SOMEONE took them all and I had to make my own, from gum paste and dot them with an edible marker pen. So...use your imagination and creativity if there's a sudden rush on candy eyeballs and you arrive too late.

 Underneath the eyes, in the beak area, make a small oval horizontal shape with red icing, and press part of one candy corn (the smallest tip and part of the middle),onto the right side of the red icing. The red will show on the left side, making the turkey’s “wattle”. Make sure the tip is pointing down for the beak.

Repeat with the remaining 11. Let the cookies set on a flat surface so everything stays in place. When they are ready, carefully tie the ribbon around the stick into a bow, and push toward the cookie.

You may use these as placemarkers, and to do so, write the guests names on each card first, then punch two single holes at middle of top and bottom and insert onto lollipop stick. Lay the cookie on top of the folded napkin to mark the places. OR to make them stand up with even more visual POW...carefully push lollipop stick into a small apple, being sure that it will sit level and not tip over. Tipped over turkeys are sad turkeys.

I'm thinking: for next year, just to mix it up a bit..I'm going to make these "blonde" turkeys but also make some out of regular chocolate oreos and use the "indian corn" candy corn with darker colors. More fun to have some variety in your flock!  Actually is it a flock? I know a bunch of geese is a "gaggle"..now I have to go look that up...

Making your life a little sweeter,

Liz

the Party Hostess Diva

http://www.facebook.com/partyhostessdiva

http://www.pinterest.com/lizcorbett

http://www.weddingcakeunder50.com

PINE CONE CHEESE BALL and TURKEY COOKIE POP

Please check in shortly at this blog for directions on making the pinecone cheeseball and the

adorable Turkey Cookie Pop. It should be up by 4pm today. If not, check this evening. Lots of baking and prepping going on here at Party Hostess Diva...stay tuned!

In the meantime, check out some fun cake and food photos at my facebook page;
http://www.facebook.com/partyhostessdiva

and on Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/lizcorbett

BAKED CRAB DIP, Super Powered Brain Food Dip and BAKED TORTILLAS!!

You MAY have been directed here as a result of watching the show, "Simply Talking" with hosts Betel Arnold and Lena Nascembeni . If so, thanks for watching, and a big THANK YOU to the awesome hosts for having me back. It's always a pleasure. We had fun making these things today. If you get to the end of this post and go "hey, where's the cute little acorn sweet treats?" Well, just mozey on over to my OTHER blog post on this site where I show how to make that. In fact, check them ALL out. You may find something else you want to make. 

Good Cook 9 Inch Ceramic Pie Plate, Red

As the holidays fast approach we think about having company more often, and also being invited as guests. 

Do you usually bring or serve the same appetizer every year? I have SO many recipes at my fingertips but there are a few that always get such good reviews, I end up making them by request, again..and again...and again.  This is one of those recipes. You'll be glad to know it is incredibly easy and you can even make it the day before, keep in the 'fridge and then bake just before you're ready.

This is not my original recipe , I believe in giving credit where it is due.  I found it years ago in a magazine advertisement for Louis Kemp imitation crab flakes. I have had that magazine page stuck in my favorite cookbook since then.

Elegance 5-1/2-Inch Stainless Steel Appetizer Spoons, Set Of 6

Baked Crab Dip 

2 pkgs. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened (reg. or light )
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Louis Kemp Crab Delights Flakes 
2 TBSP finely chopped onion
1 TBSP prepared horseradish (reg. or creamed style)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
6-8 drops of hot sauce

topping:
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Paprika with a shaker top

Stir the cream cheese until softened. Blend in remaining ingredients except the nuts and paprika. Spread mixture into a lightly greased 9 inch glass pie plate. Top with chopped nuts (optional) and sprinkle generously with paprika.

Bake uncovered at 375 degrees F. for 25 minutes until lightly browned. 

Serve warm, on sturdy crackers or toasted baguette slices. 

Norpro 3 Piece Canape Bread Mold Set

You may stir this together up to 24 hrs. before baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake according to directions.

And, p.s.  - ANY brand of crab flakes will do. Grab whatever is on sale and pop extras in the freezer, you're gonna need them :) 

Another easy idea for an appetizer is Hummus, any flavor. By adding an equal amount of sour cream or even Greek Yogurt , you are doubling the Hummus volume into a creamy dip. I would recommend using a Hummus with a good strong flavor such as roasted red pepper or garlic, as the sour cream will lighten the overall flavor a bit.

No photo for this, I'm sorry. Imagine a container of Hummus...and....a container of sour cream. There, done.

Creative Home Espresso Stained Bamboo Chip-n-Dip Set

A great thing about this super healthy appetizer is that kids LOVE dip. Add some raw veggies or healthy chips (see below). You can name it anything you want, and for kids, something fun makes it even more enticing. Say, "Super Powers Action Hero Dip" or "Magical brain food". Whatever would appeal to the hungry child in front of you. 

If you say, however, "this, dear, is Hummus Dip. Hummus is made out of mashed up garbonzo beans ,or chic peas and it also has sour cream/yogurt. It's really really healthy so you need to have some."  Prepare for them to make a face (unless they are used to healthy food) and go "ick" and run away. The less you say, the better. This has been my parent tip for the day. You're welcome. :)

So what about a healthy chip for dipping ? IS there such a thing? Yes, Ma'am. Baked tortilla chips. Shown above are whole grain tortillas with guacamole. Buy a big package of the 7" round tortillas. You can go with basic white or for even more of a health kick, opt for the whole grain. There's even some colored ones with tomato and spinach, etc. Oooh, pretty!

Lay the tortilla on a cutting board or baking stone if you have one (LOVE LOVE LOVE my stoneware) and brush lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle to your liking with sea salt. The courser grains of the sea salt are a must for this. With a pizza cutter cut the round in half, and half again till you have 4 wedges. Then each of those get cut in half, like a pie . You will have 8 wedges. Separate them slightly from each other so they will bake evenly. 

Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. WATCH THEM closely. Of the batches I've made, the white tortillas do well with 9 minutes. The whole grain take from 9-10 minutes tops to lightly brown. If they don't get slightly golden, they won't be crispy. All ovens vary slightly so again, watch them. It is a very sad thing to have them burn. Such a waste.

Remove from the oven and let them cool right on the pan or a rack.

Here are some other yummy options for the tortilla chips:

brush with flavored oils- garlic, herb infused,etc.

For even less fat, brush tortillas generously with fresh squeezed lime juice, then the sea salt. YUM!

Sprinkle with your choice of seasonings; garlic salt, chili pepper , crushed dried rosemary and crushed garlic..to name a few. Go wild and crazy. Try a different flavor on each round and ask for votes.

Rachael Ray Tools 2-Piece Silicone Pastry Brush Set, Blue

I would recommend making up a big batch, use all the racks in your oven at once and then once cooled, bag them up (HIDE them!) and have ready for healthy snacks. 

If you decide to make these or the crab dip, send me a comment on my Party Hostess Diva page on Facebook. I'd love to hear from you. Pictures are even better!

Making your life a little sweeter
and sometimes crunchier
and healthier,

Liz
the Party Hostess Diva
http://www.weddingcakeunder50.com

http://www.facebook.com/partyhostessdiva

http://www.twitter.com/hostessinheels

ADORABLE FALL SWEET TREATS & table decor!

For those of you in CT, you may have caught the segment on Channel 8 for "Connecticut Style" in which I showed how to make these (and more) very simple sweet treats for your fall buffet table. If not, here's your own private "show and tell".

Rosanna Small 9-Inch Pedestal, White

They are so easy, it's not even funny. All pre-made ingredients for those of you who are in a pinch for time or perhaps "creatively challenged". First let's look at the simple table decor...Up front, a teeny little pumpkin, carve out the center with a small sharp knife, scoop out seeds and guts (hee hee) with a melon baller. Every self-respecting cook has one. (what? you don't know what that is? I'm gonna make you look it up. :)

Chef Harvey Garnishing for the Beginner, Book and Five Tools

Then place a battery operated votive candle inside. So pretty and much safer than flames. Especially if you have little ones around who like to touch things. And why wouldn't they? 

This is also very cute with other kinds of produce..which I'll share in future posts. It's just not a tablescape or buffet without candles! Why not think outside the box? Or candle holder.

Unscented Drip 4x5 Battery Operated Candle with Timer

Note the small pillar candle (bigger than a taper, smaller than typical pillar) inside a glass vase. Stabilize with unpopped popcorn. How cute is that? You may use other dry ingredients for filler, such as dried split peas, dried beans of various colors, etc. Just be sure they are not highly flameable items and you leave sufficient space between the flame and the filler. Although popcorn heating up near the flames...hmm. could be a nice touch to have exploding popcorn as a finale at the end of your Thanksgiving or fall holiday dinner. Memorable, I'm sure. (I'm JUST kidding, this idea hasn't been safety tested)

Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cooking Made Light

Now to the sweet treats; first up, the donut- hole acorns. 

ohmygosh, aren't these adorable? c'mon. seriously. they're really cute! These are not my original idea...I found the idea on Pinterest. HAD to make them. These here, are mine of course. Here's what you need:

plain donut holes
Nutella spread (or chocolate frosting)
chocolate sprinkles
small pretzel sticks

Spread Nutella or frosting onto about 1/3 of the donut hole like a little hat. Roll this area in the chocolate sprinkles. Break off (or bite off..oh, wait, this is for company!) about 1/3 of the pretzel stick and poke the rest into the sprinkle covered portion as a stem. Tah Dah! Done!! I recommend popping these in the refridgerator just for a little while to set the spread.

Next up, teeny little acorns (almost life size) made from pre-made items. We're going with easy peasy, not complicated, for this post.

You will need:

1 package plain Hershey's kisses 
1 package Nabisco Nutter Butter bite size cookies.(red bag)
mini chocolate chips (about 1/4 cup?)

Carefully twist the cookie so one side pops off and leaves all or most of the creme filling on one side. Gently press an unwrapped Hershey's kiss onto the creme. (what you do with  all the cookie halves with no creme is up to you. I'm not watching and I won't judge. :)

Melt about 2 Tbsp of mini chocolate chips in a micro safe small bowl . Dab a TINY bit onto the center of the "top" of the acorn and press a mini chocolate chip onto it. A toothpick or tip of a sharp knife works well. Tah dah! you're done!

Harvest Leaf Jacquard Dining Tablecloth By Collections Etc

Now your guests or family will be all impressed with how creative you are! You can take all the credit. Well, send them to my blog or facebook page (see link below) and I'll love you forever. You're welcome.

Making your life a little sweeter,

Liz
the Party Hostess Diva

www.diyweddingcakeunder50.com

http://www.partyhostessdiva.com

http://www.facebook.com/partyhostesdiva

http://www.twitter.com/hostessinheels

ATTENTION BRIDES; WEDDING CAKE FOR $50

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Wilton Fancy Scrolls Cake Stand

The "Do-it-Yourself Wedding Cake for under $50" eBook is FINALLY available! It is a start-to finish, hold your hand along the way tutorial on how to make your own classic and delicious 2 or 3 tiered wedding cake!!(or get an awesome friend to help or do it for you !)

 Includes full color photos and a 40 minute narrated instructional video! This takes the mystery out of "how do they DO that?!" and puts it in your own capable hands. In fact, the method can be used over and over again to make impressive large cakes for other celebration events; Baby showers ..(first comes love, then comes marraige..then comes...? ..in the baby carraige), Christenings, Anniversaries, Birthday Parties, etc.

There is so much more, as well. Advice on transporting your cake, ideas for the cake table, suggestions for DIY cake toppers...resources listed.

Wilton 10 Inch Featherweight Piping Bag

The following link will take you to an information page where you can get it.

http://youtu.be/pC2nePyCcl4


Thanks, in advance, for sharing this with anyone and everyone. There will be a contest on my Pinterest for those who make the cakes using this book. Can't wait!

Making your life a little sweeter,
Liz
The Party Hostess Diva on Facebook
Elizabeth Corbett on Pinterest