This is a variety of from-scratch and semi-homemade ideas...
Make no-bake cheesecake box mix, but prepare in lined mini muffin cups for individual servings - can be made in advance
Fill cooked phyllo mini-muffin cups fill with instant pudding and top with fruit.
fruit plate with dip
vegetable plate with dip
Quick Mini Taco Bowls
Fill Tostito Scoops with a little bit of preshredded lettuce, 1 tsp. preshredded cheese, 1 tsp. chunky salsa, & small dollop sour cream. Also add cooked, seasoned meat if feeling adventurous.
Mozzarella, with a Twist - can make in advance
Cube 1 lb. chunk of Mozzarella and toss with 2 tbs. pesto sauce, sprinkle with crushed red pepper and decorate with basil sprig.
Nutty Bites - can make in advance
3 oz. cream cheese
dash of cinnamon
dash of nutmeg
1/4 c. powdered sugar
1 tbs. maple syrup
100 pecan or walnut halves
Combine all ingredients except nuts. Place cream cheese mixture between a pair of nuts.
INSALATA CAPRESE SKEWERS - can make in advance
20 6" wooden skewers
20 cherry tomatoes, halved
20 large fresh basil leaves
20 1" diameter balls or cubes of fresh mozzarella
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
Place one cherry tomato half on a skewer. Wrap a basil leaf around a piece of mozzarella. Slide onto skewer next to cherry tomato. Slide a second tomato half onto skewer next to mozzarella. Repeat w/ remaining skewers. Drizzle with olive oil & season with salt & pepper.
White Pizza Crackers
1/2 cup frozen chopped broccoli, thawed, drained
1/2 cup Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
1/2 cup Shredded Reduced Fat Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
1/2 tsp. each: dried oregano leaves and garlic powder
Triscuit Crackers
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix broccoli, cheeses and seasonings. Spread 1 tsp. of the cheese mixture onto each of 48 crackers; place on baking sheets. Bake 5 min. or until hot and bubbly.
Bites, Canape, Angle Wing
1/2 lb. (8 oz.) brie cheese
1 pkg. (6.5 oz.) STELLA D'ORO ANGEL WINGS Cookies
3 Tbsp. raspberry jam
1/4 cup slivered Almonds
Cut cheese into 1/4-inch-thick bite-size pieces. Place cookies on foil-lined cookie sheet; top each with cheese, 1/2 tsp. jam and almonds. Bake at 350° F for 5 to 6 minutes or until cheese is softened.
Cookie Dough Bites - can make in advance
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
8 oz. mini chocolate chips
Mix ingredients and roll into balls. Place on lined cookie sheet and chill 30 minutes. Can be dipped in chocolate to coat.
