Thanksgiving appetizer

[pentex]

Does anyone have good suggestions for an appetizer for my Thanksgiving meal?

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

We always have a cheeseball with Townhouse Crackers.

Take an 8 oz. package cream cheese, a cup (or more) shredded mild cheddar cheese, and one package Hidden Valley salad dressing mix (green package). Mix them all together by hand and form into a ball. Chill for a couple of hours for better flavor.

That's it!

You can easily double it if you are feeding a crowd.

 

[inky dinky doo]

There are two recipes I use every year. This first one is my daughter's favorite . . .

Salmon Party Ball

1 can (15 1/2 oz.) salmon
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 T. lemon juice
1 t. prepared horseradish
1/4 t. salt
3 T. parsley flakes
1/4 t. liquid smoke (plus a smidge)
1 t. Worcestershire sauce (plus a little)
3 T. grated onion (use real not dried)
1/2 to 3/4 c. mayonnaise
1 T. garlic powder (to taste — I use more)
3/4 T. onion powder (to taste — I use more)

Mix thoroughly and shape into a ball. Roll in pecan or walnut pieces and parsley flakes (optional). Serve with Wheat Thins.

NOTE: I mix the cream cheese, horseradish, salt, and onions together before adding the liquids. It’s easier to mix it smooth that way.

Drain the salmon well, discarding the small round bones (spines), but not worrying as much about the slender longer bones. They’re soft and will disintegrate when mixing. Place the salmon on a paper towel-lined dinner plate briefly to drain, then add to the rest of the mixture. (You should add the salmon last.)

This recipe makes a “thinner” mixture than a cheese ball, and I find it hard to form a ball by hand. Instead, I line a rounded Tupperware bowl with Saran wrap. Use two long pieces of Saran wrap in a “plus” shape (one going north/south, one going east/west), so they totally line the bowl and leave some wrap hanging over the edges. Scrape the salmon mixture into the Saran wrap-lined bowl, fold the wrap overhang on top of the salmon, and place the lid on the bowl (if possible). Place in refrigerator till next day. It will set up as it chills. To serve, remove lid, unfold Saran wrap from top, invert on pretty plate, and surround with crackers. I double this recipe and it fills the smaller of my Tupperware bowls.

 

[inky dinky doo]

This recipe is my son's favorite . . .

Five-Layer Seafood Dip
Makes 12 or more servings

Prepared in layers, this appetizer can be made a day ahead, covered with plastic wrap, and refrigerated. Place each layer in a shallow, glass casserole dish or quiche pan.

First (bottom) layer:
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
2 t. horseradish
1/2 t. Worcestershire sauce
4 t. Miracle Whip
2 t. fresh lemon juice (or RealLemon)

Mix all ingredients together and spread in dish.

Second layer:
1 (12 oz.) bottle chili sauce or seafood cocktail sauce

Evenly spread sauce over cheese mixture.

Third layer:
1 large bunch spring onions with green tops, finely minced
2/3 c. peeled, chopped cucumber, well-drained

Remove seeds from cucumbers. Sprinkle onions and cucumbers over second layer.

Fourth layer:
3/4 lb. shrimp, peeled and cooked

Dice shrimp and drain on paper towels. Place paper towel on top and gently press to remove excess moisture. Gently sprinkle shrimp over third layer.

Fifth layer:
1/4 c. grated cheddar cheese
1/4 c. sliced Jalapeno peppers (optional)

Sprinkle cheese around the edges. If you like hot dishes, place Jalapeno peppers in 4-inch circle in center; otherwise, omit them. Cover and refrigerate. Serve with crackers and spreading knife.

Variation:
Substitute 1 lb. crab meat or 3 (6 1/4 oz.) cans crab meat for the shrimp. Remove any shell or cartilage and drain as directed above.

 

[inky dinky doo]

I have several more appetizer favorites, but I'm going to have to dig them out. We always do an appetizer spread for Christmas Eve, and those recipes must still be packed away from a recent move. Thanks for reminding me.

Oh, there is one more I can give you from memory. This one is MY favorite, and it's the one they BEG me to bring to work for every party.

Rumaki

1 lb. bacon, cut in half
1 can whole water chestnuts

Wrap a piece of bacon around each water chestnut and secure with a toothpick. Bake at 350 degrees until done (about 30 minutes).

Mix together one cup of ketchup and one cup of packed brown sugar. Spread mixture over hot bacon and water chestnuts and stick back in the oven for 15 minutes or so. Serve hot. Stand back and wait for the raves!

Yum yum!

 

[catheren]

Here is a light appetizer, so your guests will have room for the Thanksgiving Feast.

1 loaf (sliced) of tiny rye party bread-- usually found near deli
cream cheese (soften)
cucumbers sliced thin (i leave peel some skin off)
fresh dill

Take slice of rye, skim with cream cheese, top with cuke slice and sprinkle w/ fresh dill. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.

 

[Beanie]

These all sound so wonderful!! Thanks everyone for posting your recipes! Yum!

 

[CamColt]

I should start off by saying I hate any fish or seafood(tuna,maybe with tons of mayo, but thats it), but I love this dip. Thanksgiving is the one time a year we have it, so I sort of consider it a Thanksgiving thing. And its so simple!

Shrimp Dip

1 package of cream cheese for each bottle of cocktail sauce. Mix with eggbeaters until smooth. Add shrimp(we also make some without shrimp for the non fish people).

You can use any cracker to dip in it, but for some reason Sociable Crackers taste really good with it. I dont even really care for the Sociables plain, but the dip really complements them.