2 Turkey Day Appetizers...That Also Work for Christmas!

I was originally planning on posting this ish before Thanksgiving, but life and food got in the way and I spent the better part of the last five days battling a serious food coma. But I'm back and better then ever people. And I've got two, super easy to make, appetizers that are sure to be huge hits at any of your holiday gatherings. 

(That is, unless you're Vegan or anorexic and in that case, go find yourself a salad)

First up, Stonewall Kitchen Old Farmhouse Chutney Cheese Ball because let's face it, everyone loves a big old ball o' cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 - 8 oz.packages cream cheese
• 1/2 cup Stonewall Kitchen Old Farmhouse Chutney (or any chutney you fancy)
• 1/4 cup green onion - diced
• 1 clove garlic - crushed
• dash of salt
• dash of pepper
• 1/2 cup Colby cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup pecans

Directions:

1. Mix together the cream cheese, Old Farmhouse Chutney, scallion, garlic, salt and pepper.
2. Fold in the Colby and Monterey jack cheeses.
3. Form the mixture into a ball and roll it into the chopped pecans.

Dip the delicious mixture of cheese in crackers or apples. Or just f*ck 'em all and dig in with a spoon. 

See, now, wasn't that easy?

Round two, Bacon Wrapped, Goat Cheese Dates

Ingredients:

1. 16 large Medjool dates, pitted
2. 1/4 mild goat cheese
3. 8 slices of bacon (about 7 ounces), halved crosswise
4. Almonds (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Cut a lengthwise slit in the dates. Stuff each one with about 1/2 teaspoon of the goat cheese (and almonds if so desired). Pinch the dates closed. Wrap each date securely in a piece of bacon and arrange the dates, seam side down, on a wire rack set on a baking sheet.    

 2. Bake the stuffed dates for about 20 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and crisp; turn each date after 10 minutes. Serve the stuffed dates warm or at room temperature. 

Pretty ridiculous and indulgent appetizers, eh? But hey now, there's nothing wrong with being a little ridiculous and indulgent. And if you bring these to your party, you will not only be ridiculous and indulgent, but the most popular person there. 

So, in advanced, I say a big, "you are welcome."

Images from: CrumblyCookie.net