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It’s getting very close to the time to say good-bye to 2016 isn’t it.  It has been a year of changes for many of us.  Whether it be health issues, marriages, baptisms, children moving away from home, as in Colorado and San Diego. Too far to stop for a cup of coffee, laughter which you can hear over the phone.

Let’s get into the mood of parties, hoping it’s not too late for some appetizer  ideas, especially if you’re hosting the party.

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FRESH FRUIT WITH ORANGE CHEESE DIP
 Dip:
1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 c. marshmallow cream
Grated rind of 1 orange
Fresh fruits: unpeeled apples and pears, large grapes, pineapple, melon, etc.
Orange or lemon juice

Combine dip ingredients; mix well. Slice washed apples and pears; dip into orange or lemon juice to prevent browning; drain.  Pour dip into a bowl; place in center of large plate.  Arrange fruit around.

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CHEDDAR CHEESE SPREAD
1 lb. grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. finely diced green pepper
1/4  to 1/2 t. curry powder
Dash hot sauce (Tobasco sauce)
Assorted crackers

In a medium bowl combine all ingredients, mixing well. Transfer to a small bowl; refrigerate until slightly firm. Serve with crackers.  Don’t forget to put a small spoon by the side of the dish for easy spreading.

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CREAMY PARMESAN-CHIVE DIP
1/2 c. each, low-fat mayo and low-fat sour cream
3/4 c. low fat buttermilk
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
3 T. finely chopped chives (can use green part of pencil onions)
1 T. lemon juice
1 t. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 t. hot sauce (Tobasco sauce)
1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper (can use 1/8 t. regular pepper)

Veggie dippers such as sugar snap peas, red, orange yellow or green pepper strips, baby carrots, broccoli spears, cauliflower florets, celery sticks and cherry tomatoes
Combine all ingredients except veggies mix well and serve alongside.  Chill before serving.  Makes about two cups.

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This recipe for chicken wings comes from our daughter Sandy.  They are yummy!

HONEY GLAZED WINGS
2-1/2 lb. chicken wings, tips removed
2 T. melted butter

Glaze:
1/4 c. each,  honey and butter
6 medium cloves garlic, minced
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/4 c. water
1 T. low-sodium soy sauce
1/8  to 1/4 t. Tobacco sauce
1 T. flour

Wash and pat dry the wings with paper towel.  Place on 15x10x1-inch well greased cookie sheet or line with parchment paper or non-stick foil. Brush wings with melted butter. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes, depending on size of wings. Combine all glaze ingredients, except flour, in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Whisk in flour and simmer until thick.  Remove wings from cookie sheet, transferring to another cookie sheet. Turn wings over and brush with hot glaze. Turn back over, brush with glaze. Let sit on pan for a couple of minutes  Serve warm.  Makes a bunch!  Note:  You can transfer them to a crock pot to keep warm.

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BACON WRAPPED TATER TOTS
16 strips bacon, cut in half
1/2 c. maple syrup (not pancake)
1 t. crushed red pepper flakes (crush with a rolling pin between sheets of waxed paper)
32 larger size tater tots

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until partially cooked but not crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. In a bowl combine syrup and pepper flakes; dip each bacon piece in syrup mixture, then wrap around each Tater Tot. Secure with toothpick.
Place on a greased wire rack placed in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes.  Watch so they don’t burn. Serve with Dijon mustard, BBQ sauce or sweet sour sauce.  Makes 32 appetizers.

Thought For the Day: If you party this New Year’s Eve, please, please don’t over load on alcoholic beverages, especially if you intend to drive somewhere!  If you are with good friends, knowingly bring along a sleeping bag, expect to plop on a sofa or for sure have a designated driver to take you home safely.  You may snicker at these suggestions but too many drunk drivers get hurt or hurt someone else.  Better idea,  if you’re hosting a party, serve non-alcoholic beverages, especially if the younger set is included in the party.  You can have fun without getting inebriated.

I hope 2017 brings you love, joy, laughter, appreciating what we are given in our lives.

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