Tired of Chips and Dips? Try these Lively Appetizers

Hosting a holiday party this year? Get it started with the perfect appetizers from the Grafton Garden Club.

Looking for something different for your New Year's Eve bash? Want something unusual to serve at game time on New Year's Day? Try these recipes, courtesy of the Grafton Garden Club.

Helen's Humus (75th Anniversary Edition Cookbook, 2006; Helen Blazis)

Mince 1 large garlic in a food processor and add:

1 can chick peas, drained

1 tablespoon Tahini paste

Juice of 2 lemons, so you have between 1/3 and 1⁄2 cup of juice salt to taste

Blend everything in the food processor. Add water if the mixture is too thick.

Serve with pieces of Pita bread and sprigs of fresh parsley.

Hot Cheese Puffs (Fran Bramhall) 

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 

1⁄2 cup margarine, softened

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon freeze-dried chives

1⁄2 teaspoon seasoned salt

Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix the cheese and butter together. Stir in flour, chives and the seasoned salt until blended. Shape into 1 inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Makes three dozen. 

For garlic cheese puffs: substitute 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder for the seasoned salt.

For onion cheese puffs: substitute 1 teaspoon onion powder for the chives.

Mexican Appetizer (Favorite Garden Recipes, 1986-1987; Sue Finnegan)

8 ounces of cream cheese

1 12-ounce jar of medium Picante salsa

1 15-ounce can of chili, no beans

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 medium green pepper, finely chopped

8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, grated

Tortilla chips

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread cream cheese along sides and bottom of a 10 inch pie plate. Drain the salsa in a colander for 5 minutes. Layer chili, onion, green pepper, and salsa in that order on top of the cream cheese. Top with grated cheese. Bake for 5 minutes or until bubbly. 

Serve with tortilla chips. Can be frozen or assembled a day ahead.

Zucchini Appetizer Squares (Fran Bramhall) 

2 zucchini, thinly sliced

3 eggs, slightly beaten

1 cup onions, minced

2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

1⁄4 teaspoon basil

1⁄4 teaspoon oregano

2 cloves garlic, minced

1⁄2 cup shredded cheese – Parmesan or cheddar

1⁄2 cup oil

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup original Bisquick mix

Mix all ingredients together and place in a greased 9-by-13 inch pan. Bake in a 350°F oven for about 40 minutes until golden brown. Cut into squares and serve hot. This also freezes well.