Simple Savory Holiday Appetizers.

This Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is an easy appetizer any time of the year. The flavors of these ingredients complement each other so well, they will clean this cheese ball up in a flash! It will literally take you 5 minutes to prep this recipe and then it's best if it sits in the fridge overnight before you roll it in the pecans. If you're running short on time, 2-3 hours to chill will work also. This way, all the flavors have time to mix. It's awesome with all varieties of crackers. For the festivity colors, you can add red pepper as well. Also, you can make ahead and freeze for additional get togethers.

INGREDIENTS

16 oz pkg cream cheese softened
1/4 c. green peppers finely chopped
1/4 c. green onions finely chopped
8 oz. can crushed pineapple (well drained)
2 tsp. seasoning salt
2 c. chopped pecans

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients and only 1 c. of pecans.
2. Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap on the counter and scoop mixture onto the plastic wrap. Wrap the mixture in the plastic and chill.
3. After the completed time of chilling, shape into a ball and roll in the other cup of pecans. Serve with crackers. So, so yummy!!!

This Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip is a huge hit at parties! It's one to wow your friends with. And, if you don't like artichokes, no need to worry, you'll never know they're in the recipe! This dip is such a creamy goodness!!

INGREDIENTS

16 oz pkg cream cheese (softened)
1/2 c. real mayonnaise
1 c. parmesan cheese
1 can chopped artichokes (undrained)
3 cloves of garlic (minced)
1 - 10 oz. pkg frozen spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9x13 casserole dish. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together all ingredients.
3. Thin with milk or half and half as needed.
4. Place the ingredients into prepared casserole dish.
   
5. Bake for 35-45 minutes.
6. Serve with Pita chips, veggies, or bread

We have eaten Lil Smokies from a crockpot with BBQ flavor, but I am loving these baked!! Baking them allows the bacon to crisp and the sugars to caramelize. You can make these all year round for any season or event. Bacon makes everything better, but this recipe upgrades with a sweet heat also.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. of sliced bacon
1 1b. cocktail wienies
1/3 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. maple syrup
Cayenne pepper to taste
Toothpicks

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed cookie sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Empty smokies onto paper towel and blot dry.
3. Cut bacon into halves.
4. Whisk the brown sugar, maple syrup and cayenne pepper into a glaze.
5. Wrap a piece of bacon around each smokie.
6. Secure with a toothpick to hold bacon in place.
7. Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze over each smokie.
8. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly brown on top.
9. Put oven on broil and crisp the bacon for 1-2 minutes. SO ADDICTIVE!!

There are a variety of ways to make these Tortilla Pinwheels but I really love the combination of the ingredients in this recipe. Pinwheels are very popular , especially for holiday entertaining. These can be served with variations, such as: ranch dressing, guacamole, and salsa; but, I just love them the way they are.

INGREDIENTS

8 oz. sour cream
1 - 8 oz. pkg cream cheese (softened)
1 - 4 oz. can green chilies, drained
1 - 4 oz. can chopped black olives, drained
1 c. grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onion
Garlic powder to taste
Seasoned salt to taste
5 - (10 inch) flour tortillas
Fresh parsley for garnish
Salsa

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix all the filling ingredients together thoroughly.
2. Divide the filling and spread evenly over the tortillas; roll up tortillas.
3. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, twisting the ends.
4. Refrigerate several hours or even over night to blend the flavors of the mixture.
5. Unwrap; cut in slices, 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick.
6. An electric knife works best, discard ends. Lay pinwheels on glass plate and garnish with parsley.
7. Serve with salsa.

MEATBALL INGREDIENTS

3 lb. hamburger (85% lean)
2 c. oatmeal
1 c. chopped onion
2 tsp. chili powder
1 can evaporated milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

SAUCE INGREDIENTS

2 c. ketchup
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke
1/2 c. chopped onion

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
2. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
3. Using moistened hands, form the mixture into meatballs on a foil-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, make the sauce by combining all ingredients in a skillet large enough to hold all the meatballs.
6. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
7. Add baked meatballs to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
8. Place on a serving platter and spear with pretty toothpicks.
9. Meatballs and the sauce may be frozen in containers for up to 3 months. Reheat the meatballs in the sauce on the stovetop until center is hot.