Dinner's Ready: Thanksgiving Appetizers At Our House

I HAD to share with you what we are doing this year for Thanksgiving,

and give you time to go pick up the supplies to go plan something similar. I can pass on big, heavy meals,

but I could eat appetizers for a meal any day!

A couple of years ago,

Shell in Your Pocket

{who is my friend from many years ago when we met in first grade-and still a dear friend-)

posted some of her Thanksgiving Day Appetizers.

Our family LOVES finger food,

and grazing all day.

(I mean, I do-)

We tried her recipes last year,

repeated the recipes at Christmas,

and while watching the Super  Bowl.

My kids could not get enough of the Little Hot Dogs-

they could eat them every week, I think.

{We seriously LOVED the appetizers!}

So~

As we watch football,

cook the turkey,

and all the sides for Thanksgiving this year-

This is what we will be eating...

Try making a few of these appetizers-they are all so delicious, and easy!



Swiss Cheese Dip

{I promise-even if you don't like Swiss cheese...you will like this}

In a microwave-safe dish (spray with Pam) or pie plate, mix 1 softened 8oz. cream cheese, 1 tsp. of onion powder, 1/3 cup of mayo, 3/4 cup of shredded Swiss cheese.Mix all together and spread on dish.

Crumble up bacon on top (about 6 slices). Microwave the dish on high for about 4 minutes (until bubbly)...enjoy with buttered crackers on the side.

{Pictures of last year's set up:}

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

1 pkg Lil Smokies

1 pkg bacon sliced in half

Brown sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wrap Lil Smokies in 1/2 slice of bacon; secure with a toothpick. Arrange smokies to cover the bottom of 9 by 13 pan. Sprinkle brown sugar over smokies and bake for 45 minutes.

"Kick Butt" Taco Dip

1 8ox brick cream cheese, softened

1 cup 8 oz sour cream

1 packet of taco seasoning

diced tomatoes, sliced olives, cheese, slice green onion (...whatever your heart desires on a taco-)

Mix the cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning together. Spread in a thin layer on a pizza pan or other serving platter. My layer is about 1/2 inch thick! Then top with all the toppings.

Serve with tortilla chips.

What about the turkey?

Tin Man always cooks the turkey.

I have never, ever (!!) cooked a turkey!

Everyone always raves about Tin Man's turkey-Matter of fact,

writing about it makes my mouth water to think about it-it really is that good.

But I think I will pass on giving out his recipe.

Really.

 It is too complicated.

Only a professional should attempt a turkey as he makes it.

{Stop by on Thanksgiving though if you want the BEST turkey ever-}

I know his turkey involves hickory wood,

apple cider,

and a mix of many spices....and the grill. (!!!)

Here is a photo shot to get you thinking as you start your turkey this year:

 Crazy, I know~

But, that's Tin Man's speciality: Smoked, -on the grill- Turkey.

{And it is GREAT, but I really have no idea how he does it...}

Happy Thanksgiving from our house to yours~

(...Who will be sharing some of our Christmas traditions soon! Stay tuned!)