There is something really special about the food at cocktail parties. My folks used to have a cocktail party every year and we looked forward to the menu because certain special foods would occasionally make an appearance. Stuffed mushroom caps, a whole smoked salmon, sausage puffs, and cheese blocks were among the favorites. If you are planning a cocktail party for this holiday season, let’s get you started with some ideas, shall we? Click on the recipe card to enlarge.

Guacamole

3 avocados coarsely mashed

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/8 tsp tobasco

1 clove garlic – crushed

2 med tomatoes, peeled, deseeded and finely chopped

Combine & cool.

Serve with chips.

Spinach Dip (Bena Rushing)

1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch dressing

1 c mayonnaise

1/2 c buttermilk

chopped green onion

1 pkg frozen chopped spinach

Cook spinach until tender. Drain and cool. Chop onions. Mix dressing well with mayonnaise and buttermilk. Add to well-drained spinach and chopped onions. Serve with raw vegetables or chips.

Cheese Ball (Helen Graham)

3 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese

1 pkg thin sliced ham

Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning

1 bunch green onions

Worcestershire sauce

Save 4-5 slices of ham. Put remainder of ham and green onions in food processor. Add chopped ham and onions to soft cream cheese. Add Worcestershire sauce and creole seasoning to taste. Mix well; form into a ball and wrap in the 4-5 remaining ham slices.