Cooking up hostess gifts doesn't have to be chore
With the holidays approaching, Swap Shop is filling requests for BLT Dip for J.E. of Chicago, cheese balls or logs for A.H. of Evanston, quick appetizers for S.R. of Chicago, Oatmeal Scotchies for L.B. of Melrose Park and Sole Veronique from the California Table Grape Commission for M.A. of Tinley Park, who requested an easy, fail-safe fish recipe she could make for her boyfriend and his parents on Christmas Eve.
Susan Peterson of Chicago and Mary Alice Lehman of Northlake sent similar recipes for chewy or crispy scotchies, an answer for readers still looking for interesting recipes for cookie swaps or gift-giving.
Appetizers and cheese ball recipes include:
• For 3 cups of BLT Dip, sent by Patty Contreras of Lemont: In medium bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, 2 tomatoes (drained and diced), and 1 pound bacon (fried crisp, drained and crumbled). Spread on bottom of a pie plate or other small serving dish. Top with shredded lettuce. Serve with crisp bread or crackers.
• For 24 servings of Gouda Cheese Logs, from Betty Crocker: Mix 1 (8-ounce) tub soft cream cheese and 2 cups shredded Gouda or Colby cheese until blended. Stir in ?206-140? cup chopped fresh chives, ?206-140? cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes in oil and ?206-140? teaspoon garlic powder. Shape mixture into small logs or 1 large ball. Roll in ?206-140? cup finely chopped fresh parsley. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 2 hours until firm. Serve with crackers.
• For 4 servings of Baked Potato Dip, from Campbell's Kitchen: Mix 1 can condensed cream of potato soup, 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream, 1 (3-ounce) jar real bacon bits, 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, 1 bunch scallions (chopped) and salt and pepper to taste. Immediately or after refrigerating, serve with chips or crackers.
Years ago I had a recipe for Impossible Dutch Apple Pie, which made its own bottom crust and had a streusel topping. Does someone still have it and be willing to share it?
T.C., Chicago
I would love a recipe for Black Forest cake that includes cherry pie filling.
M.B., Wheeling
Please share a recipe for popovers.
A.H., Chicago
Send recipes and requests to: Swap Shop, Chicago Sun-Times, 350 N. Orleans, 9th Floor, Chicago 60654 or by e-mail, swapshop@suntimes.com.
All mail must include a daytime telephone number. Sorry, requests can't be answered personally.