Give these two heritage recipes a try at your next holiday party. Each features a classic 1970s ingredient — cream cheese — and is simple and delicious!
Aunt Fern’s Festive Thanksgiving Cheese Ball
Of the hundreds of cheeseball recipes available for parties, this is one of the easiest and most delicious. Make it a day ahead, press into a pretty mold, and turn out onto the serving platter just before the party begins. Sprinkle the top with chopped vegetables and voilà! A beautiful, delicious addition to any party table.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz. (2 bricks) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 2 Tablespoons chopped chives
- 2 Tablespoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- chopped black olives, diced yellow pepper, and baby tomatoes for garnish
Method:
- Mix together the cream cheese, butter and all the spices until well blended. Fold in the chopped red bell pepper.
- Lightly spray a circle, pumpkin, or star shaped mold with nonstick spray or vegetable oil.
- To serve, unmold the cheese and place on serving plate. Smooth the top with a spatula or knife and decorate with chopped yellow pepper, diced black olives, and baby tomatoes.
- Serve with crackers, celery sticks, or cucumber circles.
Related: Recipe: Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
Super Simple Pumpkin Pie Dip
This simple and amazing dip recipe is perfect for a holiday party or a night in front of the TV. Go for the healthy option – serve with fruit. For a decadent “pie inspired” taste, use gingerbread cookies. Recipe by Anna Howard, Baton Rouge
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree
- 8 oz. (1 brick) cream cheese (can be light), softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Method:
- Beat all ingredients until soft and smooth.
- Pour into serving bowl and cover tightly. Chill up to 8 hours to thicken.
- Serve with pear and apple slices and ginger snap cookies.
