The Season to be Merry

Tis the season to entertain - and boy did we!  With the help of my sister Tara we threw an early holiday bash to start the Christmas season off right.  The menu by chef Tara seemed daunting, but was really quite easy! Here are three crowd favorites from light and healthy to heavy and hearty:

Veggie Shooters
Ingredients
carrots
bell peppers (various colors)
cucumber
you can use any of your favorite veggies!

For the dipping sauce:
1 cup mayonaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic minced
3 scallions chopped

Method of prep
1. Slice veggies into bite size sticks
2. Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic and scallions.  Mix well and place in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
3. Using small clear cups place a dollop of the dipping sauce at the bottom of cup.  Line cup with veggies and serve!

Whole Weat Orzo Chopped Salad with Lemon Oregano Vinaigrette
Ingredients
1 cup whole wear orzo
1/2 cup cucumber, small diced
1/2 cup broccoli, mini florettes
1/3 cup bell peppers (various colors), small dices
1/4 cup red onion, small diced
1/4 cup celery, small diced
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
1 cup garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon parsley
2 tablespoons basil
1 tablespoon oregano
feta cheese
salt and pepper

For the dressing:
1 tablespoon fresh oregano
2 1/2 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 1/2 tablespoons honey
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 cup oil
1/2 cup water
2 garlic cloves
1-2 lemons, juiced and zested
1 orange, juiced
salt and pepper

Method of prep
1. Combine all ingredients for dressing in a small food processor or blender and combine well.  Place in fridge for up to one week.
2. Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and let cool.
3. Place remaining ingredients along with orzo into a large bowl and dress with oregano vinaigrette.  Refrigerate.  Can her served cold or at room temperature, or in bite size portions on pita chips.

Meat Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Chipotle Mayo
Ingredients
1 onion finely chopped
1-1.5 pounds ground meat
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
dried thyme
salt and pepper
blue cheese (optional)

Method of prep
1. Mix all ingredients except the cheese
2. Form slider patties and make a thumbprint in the middle - insert small amount of blue cheese
*tip* to test the meat flavor, make a small slider patty and pan grill it on the stovetop...taste!
3. Grill remaining burgers on barbecue.

Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
onions, sliced
balsamic vinegar

Method of prep
1. Add the onions in medium skillet and let cook on medium-low for about 40 minutes.
2. Add balsamic vinegar and let cool.

Chipotle Mayo
Ingredients
1 cup mayonaise
2 chipotle chillies in adobo sauce (usually found in the Mexican section section of the supermarket in cans)
1 tablespoons adobo sauce (sauce from the chillies)
1/2 lime juiced
salt and pepper

Method of prep
1. Combine all ingredients in a foor processor.  Can be stored in fridge for up to two weeks.
2. Assemble each slider by spreading the chipotle mayo on the bottom slider bun, place slider on bun ad top with caramelized onions.  Yum!  *Crowd Favorite*

Happy Holidays!
xo, Kelli