Welcome!! I’m so excited you have joined us for a recipe hop, hosted by Olive and Linen, just in time for holiday festivities! Be sure to keep reading, because I’m sharing a special DISCOUNT CODE that saves you 30% off everything in their shop, including clearance and Free Shipping!
Seems like there is always last minute gatherings, and we can’t show up empty handed, right?! I don’t know about you, but my Pinterest feed houses pins mostly intended for “save for later”. Now, having said that, there are plenty I have attempted with success, but I have had my fair share of Pinterest fails too. And, isn’t it around the holidays where we scour our boards frantically searching for something unique to bring to the holiday parties! Well, a few weekends ago I attempted two recipes that both turned out to be a big hit!
Making Pretty Choices
Nothing says holiday party like pretty hors d’oeuvres. Making pretty choices is something I have decided to amp up a bit. I love all things pretty, and creating this Charcuterie Plate for a recent holiday get together was the perfect recipe success.
I say recipe lightly, because there really was nothing to this!! Talk about an easy, stunning, and FAST appetizer to pull together! The only negative is that your guests may not want to mess it up by stealing a bite ;).
Speaking of pretty choices, I brought out this festive towel from Olive and Linen from last year.
I was quick to encourage our friends to dig in! After all, I didn’t go through the motions to have the cheese dry out!
Christmas Tree Charcuterie
- Cheddar Cheese Cubes
- Pepper Jack Cheese Cubes
- Colby Jack Cheese Cubes
- (or whatever cheese cubes you desire)
- White grapes
- Red grapes
- Purple grapes
- Triangle shaped Crackers
- Square shaped crackers
- Jam
- Pomegranate seeds
- Spread jam between 2 triangle shaped crackers to form bond and place at the top of your cheese board.
- Layer cheese cubes and grapes in the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Add square cracker for trunk, and garnish with pomegranate seeds.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Olive and Linen Turkish Towels
Before I share the next recipe, I want to expand more on the kitchen towels I have come to love and use everyday.
Peshtemal is a flat woven authentic Turkish towel. They are light weight, highly absorbent, and quick drying. I have been using turkish hand towels from Olive and Linen in my kitchen and bathroom for 2 years now. I have given them to family and friends and can attest to their luxurious quality. They are pretty and yet durable enough for everyday use. I definitely don’t just display them for their genuine good looks, although the one hanging on the left of my peninsula is doing just that 😉
My two newest additions are linked below and featured in the next couple photos.
- Everyday Hand / Kitchen Towel – Black (left)
- Siena Hand / Kitchen Towel – Gray (right)
Right now you can save 30% on everything, including clearance, AND FREE SHIPPING!!
Just use code: simplecozycharm30 at checkout!
**Along with a great discount, Olive and Linen is also awarding 3 LUCKY WINNERS $100 gift cards to their shop! Entering is EASY: In the comment section let us know what your favorite recipe is! The winner will be chosen randomly on Dec. 22nd!
Ok, on to the next recipe! This one you actually have to follow directions, but it’s still super fast and easy, WOOT WOOT!
Mini Cheeseball Recipe
Ingredients
1 1 1/2 oz (8 oz blocks) Cream Cheese
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Pepper
1 tsp. Paprika
8 -10 slices Cooked Bacon
1/3 cup Chives
1/3 cup Chopped Pecans
18 pretzel sticks
Instructions : Mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and Paprika. Roll into balls and place on parchment paper on baking sheet. Refrigerate 1 hour. Roll refrigerated cheese balls in chopped cooked bacon, chopped pecans, and chopped chives. Stick a pretzel stick in each one.
I hope these quick appetizer recipes assist you in any last minute party preps you may have. Please be sure to hop on over to the list of talented bloggers listed below. You will be surprised at all the fun recipes!
Simple Cozy Charm
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Author and Photos – Martha Knake
Chief Editor – Emily Schunke
As always, I could easily find the recipes that interest me in your blog because you almost always have something that interests me.
Ball recipe is very original! Great opportunity to serve your usual snacks in an unusual way! Herringbone also conquered my heart
We love the first app!! So easy and everybody loves it!! The kids are making one Christmas Day. I love that they can put the whole thing together!! Also, towels are beautiful ❤️
My favorite easy appetizer for Christmas is Rueben Dip! Delicious!
Holy deliciousness!!
One word…okay, maybe two YUM YUM!!!! That cheese board display was amazing and those cheese balls…yes, please.
Love this, sorry forgot to rate it!!
Both of these look so yummy and I love that they can easily be adapted for gluten free and keto diets!
You towels are gorgeous!
Karan
xxox
Awesome! I don’t know anything about that, but I’m so glad there are many recipes out there that can be motified! Thanks for stopping by and rating <3
The cheese tray is so easy and festive!! And who doesn’t love some cheese and grapes?!
That’s what I’m sayin!! Thanks for stopping by Meg <3
I have a chocolate and peanut butter layered fudge that is made with marshmallow creme – so easy!
That sounds amazing!! Thanks so much for stopping by! Merry Christmas!
The mini cheeseball recipe is fetch..lol. Merry Christmas!
Made me LOL!!! Thanks for visiting friend, Merry Christmas!
My favorite recipe for the holidays is my Peppermint Bark. I don’t use brown chocolate, just the white chocolate with peppermint extract or oil & crushed candy cane pieces. I totally love the cheese tree! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Jeannie! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing <3