Tuesday, November 24, 2015

HOLIDAY Cucumber Bites Appetizers with Herb Cream Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes - 52 Appetizers Recipes

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These are fantastic for a number of reasons... Beautifully colorful, a real standout of a dish.  Easy, Really Really DIY Easy to make and cost effective,  The whole tray of about 36 appetizers will come in at about a quarter each!

Perfect dish for a catering appetizer or side dish, Great for a pass a plate PotLuck event or any big family gathering.

I have posted this recipe before, but I just Goosed it up a bit for the Holidays.

A little garnish of Holly (handy to have a Holly bush in my back yard this time of year).  the addition of chopped Pisatchios adds an extra bit of green Holiday color on the platter as well as a little crunch of texture to the bites.

Just looks a bit more special as we get into the season of celebrating the birth of the Baby Jesus... Be Festive, Joy to the World (and add joy to your food).

Only a couple of special needs... A small amount of skills with a piping bag to get the swirly star affect in the Cream Cheese.  And a melon baller to remove a portion of the cucumber slices.

Be Festive and ENJOY!

Merry Christmas!


OK... Here's what I did...

Cucumber Bites with
Herb Cream Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes


Ingredients
  • FOR THE HERB CREAM CHEESE - 4 Ounces (1 Brick) Cream Cheese, Softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 Cup Ranch Dressing (Yes, good old Hidden Valley)
  • 2 TBS Dill (can use other spices... Thyme is excellent also)
  • 3-4 Long Cucumbers. skinned and Slice into thirty 1 inch slices
  • 15 Cherry Tomatoes, sliced in half
  • Additional Sprinkle of Salt (to Taste, Careful, little goes a long way)
  • Additional Sprinkle of Spice (same as used in Cream Cheese) for Garnish
  • Additional Sprinkle of Paprika OR a Cajun Spice Mix (optional) for Garnish (and an extra kick if you use the Cajun Mix)
  • 1/4 Cup Chopped Pistachios to sprinkle over the platter.  Some on each "Bite" but also some to garnish the bottom of the tray to add a little extra something/something
Cooking Directions
  1. First, Make up the HERB CREAM CHEESE, in a stand mixer, mix the softened Cream Cheese with the Ranch dressing and herbs. Mix until well combined. Spoon into a piping bag with a star tip.
  2. Prepare the Cucumber, remove peel, Using a fork, score the sides. Slice into 1 inch pieces. Using a melon Baller, remove a portion of the center of one side of the piece of cucumber, leaving a half moon crater.
  3. Pipe the Herb Cream Cheese into the crater. Enough to stick out of the top about 1/2 inch.
  4. Add a half Cherry Tomato partially buried into the Herb Cream Cheese
  5. Sprinkle additional salt, herbs and spice mix for additional color.
  6. Add the Pistachios, being careful that a few pieces are on each "Bite", but also to cover the platter floor for an extra bit of Pinache! Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
  7. Serve Chilled and ENJOY!

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So,  I am pleased to list this as one of my Growing list of  "52 Appetizers Recipes"!!!

From Dips and Salsas to everyone's favorite, Deviled Eggs; Appetizers will set the mood for something special. And make enough different ones and you have a Tapas Meal!

Links include Dips (Take a Look at the WORLD's BEST Guacamole recipe (and world's easiest to make), Salsas, Grilled Bites, Watermelon Art, and of course something with a spectacular presentation and taste... Take a look, something to match any occasion...

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