CHRISTMAS APPETIZERS

It's 4 weeks until Christmas, so all the recipes over the next month will center around foods for Christmas parties or buffets. Today's recipes take only minutes to prepare and are great appetizers to take to a party. 

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter (no substitutes), softened

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 cup confectioner's sugar

2 T. brown sugar

3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)

graham sticks or graham crackers

1.  In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy.

2. Gradually add sugars; beat just until combined.

3. Stir in chocolate chips.

4. If not using pecans, place mixture in a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

5. If you want to use the pecans, first put the cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 

6. Just before serving, roll cheese ball in pecans.

7. Serve with graham sticks or different flavor graham crackers. 

Ranch Chicken Dip

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 (1 oz.) envelope Ranch Salad Dressing Mix
1 (5 oz.) can chicken, drained

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat well. Serve with assorted crackers. Serves 8.