| Get your party off to a tasty start with these fabulous | | | | 425 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until filling is lightly |
| appetizers. For the braver souls, try these | | | | browned and bubbly. Serve with the ranch dressing or |
| Sausage-Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers. They are really | | | | dip. |
| very good and not as hot as one might think. With the | | | | CAUTION: When cutting and seeding jalapenos, use |
| sausage, and cheeses they are rather mild. And the | | | | gloves to protect hands. Do not touch eyes or face |
| ranch dip is quite soothing. But if you want to cool | | | | before thoroughly washing your hands! |
| things down a bit, go for this Devilish Ham and Cheese | | | | DEVILISH HAM AND CHEESE BALL |
| Ball with an assortment of party crackers. As always, | | | | 16 oz low-fat cream cheese |
| be sure you have plenty of drinks on hand for the | | | | 8 oz sharp cheese, shredded |
| party. Expecting any diabetics at your party? Both of | | | | 1 can (2 1/4 oz) deviled ham |
| these recipes are fine for diabetics, too. | | | | 1/4 tsp paprika |
| SAUSAGE-STUFFED JALAPENO PEPPERS | | | | 2 tbsp parsley flakes |
| 1 lb bulk sausage | | | | 1 tsp prepared mustard |
| 1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened | | | | 1 tsp lemon juice |
| 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese | | | | 1/2 tsp salt |
| 22 large jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and | | | | 2 tsp Worcestershire saucefinely chopped pecans, |
| seeded | | | | optional |
| Ranch salad dressing or dip | | | | Soften cheeses in a large bowl. Add Worcestershire, |
| In a large skillet, crumble sausage and cook over | | | | lemon juice, mustard, paprika, deviled ham, salt and |
| medium heat until no longer pink. Drain sausage well. | | | | parsley. Mix well. Chill until almost firm then form into 1 |
| In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and | | | | or 2 balls. Rolls in pecans, if desired. Wrap in Saran |
| Parmesan cheese; fold in the sausage. Spoon about 1 | | | | Wrap and refrigerate. Serve with an assortment of |
| tablespoonful into each jalapeno half. Place onto two | | | | whole-grain crackers. |
| ungreased 13x9-inch baking pans. Bake, uncovered, at | | | | Enjoy! |