Say cheese at the holidays
With the holiday season underway, it’s a good time to indulge in some favorite foods. Cheese often tops the list of delectable treats when served at a party, a dinner with friends, or a breakfast with family. Just remember that while indulging can be fun, overindulging often isn’t a good idea.
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Crustless Spinach Quiche
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
5 eggs, beaten
2-1/2 shredded cheese such as mozzarella or provolone
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft. Stir in spinach and continue cooking until excess moisture has evaporated.
In a large bowl, combine eggs, cheese, salt and pepper. Add spinach mixture and stir to blend. Carefully pour into prepared pie pan. Bake until eggs have set, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.
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Orzo with Parmesan and Basil
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 14.5-ounce can chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Melt butter in heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in orzo and saute until lightly browned. Stir in chicken stock and bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Mix in Parmesan cheese and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to shallow bowl. Garnish with additional basil if desired. Makes 4 servings.
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Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in confectioners’ sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Shape chilled cream cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap with plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped pecans before serving. Makes 32 servings.
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Pantry Pointers
When serving cheese alone or with crackers, allow the cheese to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Always rewrap leftover cheese before storing, preferably in plastic wrap.
The Practical Pantry ©2007 Tammy P. Olson
http://www.practicalpantry.com
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