Monday, December 27, 2004
Ring in the new year with some old favorites
This New Year’s Eve, time will move forward. But that doesn’t mean recipes have to be trendy. Often nostalgic recipes provide a tasty reminder of simpler times, even though some of these dishes never go out of style. Whether you are celebrating with family or hosting a party for many friends, retro food is as comforting as it is entertaining.
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Creamy Veggie Fondue
1/4 cup white wine
1 8-ounce package shredded Cheddar cheese
1 8-ounce package shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 teaspoon ground dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together wine, Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese and cream cheese. Cook, stirring frequently, until melted, about 10 minutes. Add milk and mix well. Stir in green onions, spinach, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and black pepper. Continue cooking until all ingredients are well blended, about 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a double boiler or fondue pot to keep warm while serving. Makes 32 servings.
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Pigs in a Blanket
2 8-ounce cans refrigerated quick crescent dinner rolls
1 16-ounce package cocktail franks
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Working with one package of rolls at a time, separate dough into 8 triangles. Cut each triangle into thirds. Place one cocktail frank on widest end of triangle and roll up tightly. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, point side down. Repeat with remaining dough and franks. Bake until golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Serve warm. Makes 48 pigs.
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Martini
1/2 fluid ounce dry vermouth
4 fluid ounces gin
2 pimento-stuffed green olives
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in vermouth and gin. Shake gently while counting to 30. Divide into 2 cocktail glasses. Garnish with 1 olive each. Makes 2 servings.
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Pantry Pointers
Set the mood for a retro party with dim lights and lit candles. For music that will add to the theme without overpowering the party, try Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, or Sammy Davis, Jr.
Sometimes the little details can add just the right touch to a retro party. Set out an ice bucket with tongs, cocktail napkins, olives, cherries and salted nuts to complete the retro look whether or not you are serving alcohol.
The Practical Pantry ©2004 Tammy P. Olson
http://www.practicalpantry.com