What's for Dinner this Wednesday is actually one of my favorite appetizers for Christmas parties (although Mrs. Grantham and I think it's great any time of the year). This holiday dip was developed by the staff at 'my' Williams Sonoma to sample the holiday pecan pumpkin butter and apple-orange cranberry relish.
Ingredients: 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 - 3/4 cup pecan pumpkin butter, apple-orange cranberry relish, or other fruity spread, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup bacon bits, 1/4 cup chopped green onions.
Spread the cream cheese evenly on a serving plate. Cover the cream cheese with the fruit spread, and sprinkle the nuts, onions, and bacon over the top. Serve with crackers, pretzels, etc.
When I was in high school, I worked at Williams-Sonoma part-time. It took a lot of self discipline to make any money there because we sold so many pots, knives, plates, and gadgets that I wanted. Since that time, my mother, sister, brother and I have amassed quite the collection of kitchen items from the store, but one of my absolute favorites is this:
a veggie peeler made by the Swiss company, Kuhn Rikon. It fits so nicely in my hand and allows me to peel carrots, potatoes, etc. in no time. AND it only costs $3.50...it's definitely the best peeler I've ever used. If you ever come across one, buy it- you won't be disappointed!
What's one of your favorite kitchen gadgets?
