My Favorite Christmas Parties

For the past, hmmm, six(?) years it has been a part of my Christmas season to help Arlene with the food for her open house for FBC preschool workers and staff. Everything is made from scratch. At first we studied Southern Living books and magazines to find unique yet simple recipes but we have settled on 7 or 8 favorites through the years. Preparation of the menu begins with a trip to Walmart. Good thing I enjoy food shopping!

Next, I organize ingredients and make a list for another trip to Walmart, besides the last minute runs to Publix(peppermint ice cream and coffee ice cream) and Gaff's Meat Market (ham loaf).
Three years ago (or was that last year?) I made my first pumpkin rolls. We forgot they were in the refrigerator so they were not served They've been a big hit ever since.

Punch

Peppermint Eggnog Punch(with gingerale) and the famous Coffee Punch. Yummy!

Stuffed Mushrooms (a personal favorite) These are an easy do-ahead and then they can bake at the last minute.

Mini Quiche We've always had a (made from scratch) mini quiche on the menu. We've made crust with everything from layered biscuits to circles cut from sour dough bread. Last year I found a crustless recipe but it was a little bland. This year, crustless and tasty! Hot Cheese Dip Baked for two hours, inside a hollowed round of white mountain bread this cheesy beef dip with chilies is irresistible! And in the crockpot, Ham Balls. Oven baked in a sweetened tomato sauce, we can do these ahead and keep them in the crockpot. I'm missing a few items like cranberry horseradish sauce over cream cheese and mini ham and swiss sandwiches but we'll save those for another post. Arlene expertly covered the sweets by making the best peanut butter balls as well as assorted cookies and bars.

And what is a party, after all without friends to help you consume all the goodies. It was, again, a lovely party and a very special part of my Christmas.