The Hostess with the “Mostest”

Marinated Cheese

This is a very impressive and festive-looking appetizer to serve holiday guests. They’ll think you slaved all day but it only takes about 10 minutes to put together! Make sure to let chill 4-8 hours. When assembling this recipe, you’ll want the cream cheese to be thoroughly chilled for easier slicing.

• 1 (0.7-oz.) envelope Italian dressing mix
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons minced green onion
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 (8-oz.) block Monterey Jack cheese, chilled
• 1 (8-oz.) block Cheddar cheese, chilled
• 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, chilled

1. Whisk together first 6 ingredients. Set aside.

2. Cut Monterey Jack cheese in half lengthwise. Cut each half crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Repeat with Cheddar cheese and cream cheese.

3. Arrange cheese in 4 rows in a shallow 2-qt. baking dish, alternating Monterey Jack cheese, Cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Pour marinade over cheese. Cover and chill at least 8 hours.

4. Drain marinade; arrange cheese on a platter in rows. Top with pimiento. Tastes great along if watching carbs or serve with assorted crackers. Yield: Makes 25 appetizer servings

Hot Buttered Holiday Drink (Rum Optional)

Years ago in San Diego I went to a party where the hostess served a wonderful hot buttered rum concoction. I had it without the rum and thought it was a marvelous cold-weather drink. She gave me the recipe but somewhere between California and Georgia I lost it. I found that same recipe in the Southern Living Ultimate Cookbook a few years ago and am thrilled to be able to share it with you! I drink it without the rum and it’s just wonderful. As you’ll see by the ingredients, this is a “treat” for the holidays or your tummy will start to look like Santa’s! This is a nice change from the typical hot chocolate to offer kids as well.

Make this recipe at the beginning of the holiday season and keep in the freezer. You'll have it when holiday guests drop over any time!

• 2 cups butter, softened,
• 1 (16 oz) package light brown sugar,
• 1 (16 oz) package powder sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon,
• 2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened
• light rum (optional)
• whipped cream
• cinnamon sticks

Combine first 5 ingredients: beat well at medium speed with an electric mixer. Add ice cream, stirring until blended. Spoon mixture into a 2-quart freezer container. freeze.

To serve, thaw slightly. Place 3 tablespoons of butter mixture in a large mug. If you like, you can also add 1 jigger of rum. Fill mug with boiling water. Stir well. Refreeze any unused butter mixture. Top with whipped cream and serve with cinnamon stick. Sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon on the whipped cream for a finishing touch!