Everybody's Sausage Balls

 

This recipe is all over the place - and we each make it a little differently. Some add more BisQuik for a breadier texture, some less for a meatier one. Some use Pioneer Biscuit Mix instead of Bisquick. Donna's even tried adding some fruit preserves. I've the recent Jimmy Dean Sausage Ball Recipe - with the celery and onion added - but I don't think it's half as good as this original. I use hot sausage, but mild is also good. I keep a bag of these on hand for quick suppers. Who says you have to have company to eat appetizers?

 

11/2 lb pork sausage (at room temperature)

8 oz package of sharp cheddar cheese

1 C BisQuik

 

Grate cheese into crumbled raw sausage (having it at room temperature is vital if you want to be able to mix this properly). Work in BisQuik with your fingers until it's well mixed. Pinch off pieces in equal amounts - from the size of a pecan in the shell to a large walnut - and roll between your palms until it's round. Set aside on an ungreased cookie sheet - making sure beforehand that the sheet will fit into your freezer, if you're doing these ahead to have on hand.

 

When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350º and bake however many you want for approximately 20 minutes, depending on their size. 20 minutes is good for the pecan in the shell sized ones.

 

Jenny's Hummus Dip

 

2 16 oz cans Garbanzo beans (aka 'chick peas'), drained and puréed

Lots of Garlic, puréed - at least 4-6 Cloves

¾ C Sesame Tahini paste - like peanut butter, only made from Sesame Seeds - available in the ethnic section of your store

Olive Oil

½ C Lemon juice (or more)

1 ½ tsp Salt,  or to taste

 

I suggest you first try hummus dip at a Mediterranean restaurant 1) to see if you really like it, and 2) to get an idea what you'll be working toward. Serve with warm pita bread.

                                                                                                             

Mable's Deviled Eggs

 

This is another recipe that everyone's had a hand in - but the original comes from Mama Mable. For 24 Deviled Eggs, you'll need:

 

One Dozen Whole Eggs, hardboiled, peeled and cut in half. Remove yolks from eggs and put in medium size mixing bowl, then break them up with a fork.

 

Add any or all of the following, to taste:

 

Onion, finely chopped

Bacon, crisp and crumbled

Sweet Pickles, finely chopped

Kosher Dill Pickles, finely chopped

 

Stir into the eggs and add enough mayonnaise to create a mixture that will hold its shape when piped into the egg. Some folks - most Robbinses and Bradleys included - like a touch of mustard, too... plain mustard or spicy brown.

 

An easy way to get the egg filling into the egg without too much fuss and bother is to spoon it all into a zip-lock freezer bag (better than a plain sandwich bag because the weaker sandwich bag has a tendency to rupture during the process) and cut off a piece of the corner so the hole is about a half inch wide. Then use the bag like an icing bag to fill the waiting halves.

 

Jenny's Pecan-Stuffed Dates

 

Super easy hors d'oevres, for that 'sweet something' among the savories:

 

1 Box pitted, Whole Dates

Pecan Halves

 

Take a date, stick in a pecan. Lay on dish. Take another date, stick in a pecan. Lay on dish. Repeat. Eat.

 

§

 

"I just hate health food." ~Julia Child

 

§