Quick Holiday Potluck Recipes

Whether your neighbor has decided to throw an impromptu holiday get-together or your husband just remembered this afternoon to tell you about this evening's Christmas party at your in-laws' house, these easy recipes will have you in and out of the kitchen quickly. One of these delicious dishes will be perfect when you are in a pinch, whether you need an appetizer or a dessert. Each recipe will be ready in 30 minutes or less.


8-Layer Mexican Dip
This dip is always cleaned out at parties. Quick to assemble and fun to eat! For even quicker preparation, throw onion and green pepper into your food processor to chop.
Ingredients:
1 can refried beans with salsa
? cup chopped onions
1 small bell pepper, chopped
1 jar guacamole dip
1 ? cups sour cream
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 tomato, chopped

Directions:
Spread refried beans on bottom of casserole dish (about 10 in diameter-flat-bottomed dishes work better than bowls). Combine onion and bell pepper; sprinkle across refried beans. Carefully spread guacamole dip across onion and bell pepper.

In a small bowl, combine sour cream and taco seasoning. Stir well; spread over guacamole dip. Then layer on the salsa and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Garnish with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes. Serve with warm tortilla chips.

Italian Broccoli Salad
This attractive salad is great for get-togethers.
Ingredients:
2 bunches fresh broccoli
1 tsp salt
4 green onions, chopped
1 small red pepper, diced
? 8-oz jar stuffed olives, sliced
1 cup mayonnaise
? cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
? cup Italian dressing
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
? cup bacon bits

Directions:
Put eggs on to boil. Cut stems from broccoli flowerets. Peel and slice stems; then boil in water with salt for 10 minutes. Add flowerets during last thirty seconds. Drain and submerge in ice-cold water. Drain broccoli well, put in serving bowl, and stir in onions, red pepper and olives.
For dressing, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese and Italian dressing. Mix well; then stir into salad. Top with chopped boiled eggs and bacon bits.

Little Cocktail Smokies
For an informal gathering, these little snacks make a perfect main meat dish. Easy to eat while standing around chatting, these tangy franks are always a hit.
Ingredients:
Six 8-oz packages Little Smokies
2 Bottles Cocktail Sauce
2 Bottles Sauce

Directions:
Combine Little Smokies and sauces in large stockpot and heat thoroughly. Serve in a crock pot or roaster to keep warm.

Quick Strawberry Trifle
This festive-looking dessert looks impressive, but is very simple to assemble.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup cold milk
1 3.4-oz package instant vanilla pudding mix
8-oz frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
1 quart strawberries, sliced and tossed with sugar
1 10.75-oz loaves frozen pound cake, thawed and cubed
2-oz square semisweet chocolate, grated

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine milk and pudding mix; beat with mixer on low speed until thickened, about two minutes. Fold in half of the whipped topping.

Arrange a third of the cake cubes in a 2-qt. trifle bowl. Spread a third of the pudding mixture over cake, place a third of the strawberries on the pudding, and sprinkle with a fourth of the grated chocolate. Repeat layers twice. Garnish with remaining whipped topping and grated chocolate.

Cranberry Punch
This simple punch is a hit with adults and kids alike. For an alcoholic punch, add either tequila or vodka.
Ingredients:
1 can cranberry juice concentrate
1 can orange juice concentrate
splash of lime juice
1 20-ounce bottle seltzer water

Directions:
Prepare juice concentrates according to package directions. Combine juices with lime juice and seltzer; stir well.

By Tarra Dugan