Yummy Appetizers

I thought with the upcoming Super Bowl now would be a good time to share some of my favorite appetizers.  (I am not necessarily advising watching the Super Bowl but it is a great time to talk about food!) ;)  I am one who LOVES to have foods that you get to munch on.  Of course I like the typical three meals a day but if it means that I can continue to nibble throughout the day even better!

Here is a list of some of our favorite appetizers in no particular order:

EASY ARTICHOKE DIP

8 1/2 oz can artichoke hearts
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup mayo
Dash garlic powder
May be served hot or cold, serve with crackers, chips or veggies.

HOMEMADE GUACAMOLE

2 ripe avocados
1 ripe tomato, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tb lemon juice
1 tsp salt
pepper

Cut avocados in half, throw away pit and scrape out flesh.  In a bowl smash up avocados and add remaining ingredients.  Serve with chips or veggies.  Great on a burger as well!

SPINACH DIP

1 (10 oz) pkg frozen chopped spinach (thaw & drain)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup chopped water chestnuts
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pkg Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix

Mix ingredients until smooth.  Refrigerate overnight.  Serve with veggies or crackers, or hollow out a loaf of bread and place dip in center of bread.  Use hollowed out pieces of bread to dip.

TACO DIP

8 oz cream cheese
8 oz sour cream
1/2 - 1 pkg taco seasoning
Mix these three ingredients together.

Next add in layers:
2 diced tomatoes
1 diced green pepper
1 diced onion
1 pkg (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
Top with sliced black olives.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Serve with chips.

SAUSAGE CHEESE BALLS
2 pkgs uncooked pork sausage (Jimmy Dean, I use an off brand and it works great.)
16 oz cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups bisquick
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350.
Mix all ingredients together.  Form into 1" balls.  Bake @ 350 for 15 minutes on ungreased baking sheet until golden brown.  Makes about 6 dozen.  Sausage Balls can be frozen raw or cooked.

HERBED DEVILED EGGS

6 hard boiled eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1-2 Tb mustard
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dill weed
1/2 tsp parsley
dash pepper

Cut eggs in half lengthwise.  Remove yolks.  Add to the yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, dill, parsley, salt and pepper; mix well.  Pipe or spoon into egg whites.  Sprinkle with parsley or dill, refrigerate until serving.

What is your favorite appetizer or finger food???