Chicken Chili Cheese Cups

For the past few years, we have gone to a friends house for a Christmas Eve nativity program, and appetizers/munchies. Everyone brings something to share, but the spread is usually heavy on the desserts/sweets. Therefore, I always try to bring something a little "heartier". Last year, I tried THIS recipe. This year, I made these:

Chicken Chili Cheese Cups

(familyfun.com found HERE)

My only change was done out of necessity. I couldn't find the pre-made phyllo shells anywhere! So I bought the phyllo pastry sheets, and just used a pizza cutter to cut squares. I then took about 3-4 sheets and tucked them into a mini-muffin pan and filled them. The shells came out crispier (which I preferred) if I did NOT use cooking spray.

Water Chestnut Appetizers

I was looking for an easy but yummy appetizer for Marc's birthday party last weekend. My college roommate, Courtney, offered this suggestion. It was a huge hit! Definitely the first thing gone and many requests for the recipe, so here it is!

Water Chestnuts & Bacon
(thank Court! http://fiveunderfive.blogspot.com/2009/03/water-chestnut-appetizer.html )

1 5 oz can of WHOLE water chestnuts, drained
1/4 c. soy sauce
8 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise (good quality maple bacon like they have at Costco works well for this recipe)
1/4 c. sugar

Bake bacon in the oven at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes. Set aside.
Combine drained water chestnuts and soy sauce. Let stand for 30 minutes. Discard soy sauce. Roll chestnuts in sugar.
Wrap bacon around each chestnut. Put a toothpick through it to secure it in place.
Arrange in broiler rack.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
Drain on paper towel and serve immediately.

Note: Do not use the fancy toothpicks with the foil stuff at the top. It burns and isn't so pretty. Trust me on this one.

Christmas Eve Appetizer

Marc's family tradition is for everyone to bring an appetizer for Christmas Eve dinner. Even though we weren't with family the past two years, we have gotten together with friends who carry on this tradition. This year, I made these:

Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels

(thanks to Pillsbury.com)

1 can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

6 Tblspn. garlic herb spreadable cheese (I found this in the deli section)

6 slices cooked deli ham

24-30 fresh spinach leaves

Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Separate dough into 4 rectangles; press perforation to seal.
Spread rectangles with cheese to within 1/4" of edges; top with ham and spinach.
Starting at shortest side, roll up each rectangle; press edges to seal.
Cut each roll into 6 slices.
Place cut side down on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 12-18 minutes, until golden brown.