Holiday Herb Recipes

I’m going to a Christmas party this weekend. “Bring whatever you like,” says the hostess. This is what I’m taking to the party.

White Grape Juice and Rosemary Martini

1 pint of good vodka

1 64 ounce bottle of white grape juice

3 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Combine the vodka, grape juice and rosemary in a glass pitcher, stir, add some shaved ice and serve in small cocktail glasses.

Herb Dip

8 oz. cream cheese at room temperature

One cup of sour cream

1 tablespoon of fresh minced parsley

1 tablespoon of fresh minced chives

Pinch of salt and pepper

Place all ingredients except herbs in a mixing bowl. Blend on low speed with mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in herbs. Chill  2 hours before serving. I’m going to serve this with raw vegetables.

Party Meatballs

2 pounds of lean ground beef

1 envelope of Lipton onion soup mix

1/4 cup of milk

1/2 cup of seasoned bread crumbs

1 teaspoon each, dried oregano and basil

In a large bowl add the ground beef, soup mix, milk, bread crumbs, and the herbs. Mix well by hand. Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with foil. Roll out the beef into quarter size meat balls. Place the meatballs on the cookie sheet and bake about 12- to 15 minutes. Set the meatballs aside, while you prepare the sauce.

Sweet Sauce

1 32 ounce bottle of ketchup

1 32 ounce jar of grape jelly.

Add the jelly and ketchup to a large sauce pan. Over medium heat, melt the jelly and ketchup. The sauce will be thick, so stir it often. Add the meatballs to a big crock pot, and pour the sauce over them. Simmer them on low for several hours. I’m taking the crock pot to the party, so the meatballs will stay warm. There are never any left overs.

~ Meadow Walker