Cool Snacks and Appetizers

Summertime is entertainment time. Even on the ranch, during our busiest time of the year. Where there is people, there is food. And appetizers and snacks that can be served cool are a welcome addition on hot days.

By the way, if you are faced with a chore at home that gets postponed because it seems too large, consider the rancher's approach. Once a month or every couple of weeks, you and your friends collect at one house. The owner's of the house provides a big spread after the job is done. Rotate through all the houses. Finally that painting job or those storm windows doesn't seem that bad.

*Ham and Swiss Roll-Ups*

Popular and easy to make ahead.

6 flour tortillas, room temperature 4 oz cream cheese, softened 1/2 lb sliced swiss cheese 1/2 lb thinly sliced ham

Spread the tortillas with the cream cheese. Layer the cheese and ham on top of the tortillas. Roll up the tortillas jelly-roll style and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour and unwrap and slice.

*Deviled Eggs*

Traditional picnic food. Spoon a little caviar on top for a dressy party.

6 hard boiled eggs 3 T. mayonnaise 1 t. mustard 1 t. salt 1/2 t. pepper paprika

Shell and halve the eggs. Remove the yolks and mix the yolks with the mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Spoon the yolk mixture into the white halves and sprinkle with paprika.

*Chilled Cucumber Bites*

This is a terrific use for those cucumbers that are coming into season.

3 cucumbers 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 1/2 c. chopped black olives 1 t. salt 2 T. dried chives

Halve the cucumbers and scoop out the seeds. Mix together the cream cheese, olives, salt, and chives. Spoon the cream cheese into the cucumbers and reassemble the halves. Wrap the cucumbers in plastic wrap and chill overnight. Unwrap the cucumbers and slice.

*Indian Curry Balls*

Spicy tidbits that the kids can help you make.

1 bag (4 oz) unsweetened, shredded coconut 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 1 T. mango chutney, chopped 1 t. curry powder

Toast the coconut on a jelly-roll pan in a 350 deg. oven for about 7 minutes. Mix together the cream cheese, chutney, and curry powder. Roll each teaspoon of cream cheese mixture into a ball and then roll the ball in the coconut. Chill.

*Crab Dip*

Great with chips or veggies

1 c. crab meat, shredded 1/4 c. mayonnaise 2 T. water chestnuts, chopped 1/4 t. pepper 1/2 t. salt 4 green onions, chopped

Mix all of the ingredients together and chill.

*Bacon and Tomato Bites*

Kind of like a BLT, but no bread

1/2 lb bacon, grilled and crumbled 1 lb cherry tomatoes, washed and stemmed

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