by Monica Resinger
Since both my husband and I have family to see at Christmas
time, we spend time with his family at our house on Christmas Eve and my family
at their house on Christmas day. Since my mom always makes a big beautiful
dinner and we have so much going on at the time, I usually make a snack buffet
table for the Christmas Eve celebration at our house.
It is very simple and helps keep my stress level down. I can
make all of it ahead of time and just set the table up later. I don't get fancy
with the table decorations, but do include a pretty poinsettia tablecloth and
pretty holiday paper plates and napkins. It's now a tradition that everyone
looks forward to because it's easy and provides delicious snacks all day long.
The best part is that by using paper plates, there are no dishes or pots and
pans to wash! The only clean up involved is putting away any leftovers, that is,
if there is any!
Here are a few tips to plan your own snack buffet. When you have
time, take out a piece of paper and start writing down some possibilities. Write
down any recipes that come to mind as you read the following:
~ Trays of things to dip is always popular. I like to put out a
veggie platter with ranch dip (I use the packet of `Uncle Dans' found in the
grocery store to make the dip) and an assortment of crackers with my popular
recipe `clam dip'.
~ A tray of sandwich makings. I load a tray with deli meats and
cheeses, and other sandwich makings such as onion, tomato, pickles, mayonnaise,
and mustard. You might try a tray of club sandwich makings or Reuben sandwich
makings. You can also experiment with different breads such as party rye or
sourdough.
~ Cookies and Candies. Each year I make two or three of our
family's favorite recipes which are included below. What's your family's
favorite cookie and candy recipes?
~ Beverages. The Irish Cream recipe below served over ice is
wonderful and a special treat. We also buy pop and beer and this seems to make
everyone happy. You might have a favorite punch, eggnog or hot buttered rum
recipe you'd like to serve.
~ Crunchy things. I always have the Chex mix out.
Don't forget that you can have family members or other guests
contribute! This will give you more variety and less work! Just tell them to
bring a snack type item.
Put all
the ingredients in a blender and mix on high for 30 seconds. Refrigerate. Shake
well before serving over ice. Should keep for at least 2 months.
Mix all
ingredients except chocolate. Shape into round balls. Chill. Insert
toothpick & dip into melted chocolate. Chill until set.
I know the
recipes aren't for the health conscious, but it's only once a
year. Here's
to hoping you have an `easy does it' Christmas celebration this year.
Monica Resinger is the creator of 'Homemaker's Journal E-Publications' where
you will find many fun and informative home and garden related e-books, tip
sheets and how to sign up for her FREE home and garden newsletter!
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http://homemakersjournal.com/