Nutty Appetizer Recipes

Nuts are a healthy addition to any diet as long as you don't overdo the amount you eat -- simply because, as we all know, they are high in fat. For a truly healthful approach, though, nuts should be eaten raw. But here are two fun ways to incorporate lightly toasted nuts into appetizers when you wish to entertain guests.

WINE & NUTS CHEESE BALL

8 oz. cream cheese; softened

8 oz. combined Monterey Jack and smoked cheddar cheeses; shredded

1/3 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise

3 tbs dry red wine

1/4 cup each finely chopped toasted walnuts, almonds, pecans

You can buy the nuts already toasted, but if using raw nuts, then here is how you can toast them yourself. Bake nuts in a 350-degrees F for about 5 minutes or until they are lightly brown. Be careful not to burn them.

Directions:

1. Soften cream cheese at room temperature first.

2. In a bowl, beat all three cheeses together with the mayonnaise and red wine until well blended.

3. Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap then refrigerate for 2 hours.

4. After cheese has been chilled, place the nuts on separate sheets of wax paper.

5. Unwrap the cheese mixture and divide into thirds, forming each into a ball.

6. Roll each ball separately in the three different nuts so that they are coated completely.

7. Rewrap each cheese-nut ball in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator until time to serve.

Serving Suggestion:
These cheese balls are great served with crackers or veggie sticks of your choosing. You can also incorporate a dab onto grilled hot vegetables as a nice change from butter or margarine.

Variation:
Combine all three nuts together and roll the cheese in the combination.

SPICEY MIXED NUTS

1 cup each of whole almonds, whole cashews, pecan halves

2 tbs butter

1 tbs Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp chili powder

Directions:
1: Heat oven to 300-degrees F.

2. Place butter in a baking dish and set it in the oven just long enough to melt the butter.

3. Remove the pan from the oven then add the nuts and Worcestershire sauce to the melted butter. Stir until well mixed.

4: Bake the nuts until toasted, about 30 minutes and stir.

5. Remove nuts from oven and sprinkle the mixture evenly with garlic salt, cayenne pepper and chili powder. Toss until well coated.

Serve immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

SPICED ALMONDS

2 cups dry-roasted, unsalted almonds

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat until hot then mix in the almonds.

2. When the almonds are evenly coated with oil, add the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, cayenne pepper and chili powder. Again, make sure everything is evenly coated.

3. Remove the almonds from the pan and spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet or large plate and allow to cool.

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