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Here are two great appetizers to serve on New Year’s Eve in 10…9…8…

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients (credit: AllRecipes.com)

• 1 pound fresh mushrooms
• 7 ounces crabmeat
• 5 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground savory
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a medium bowl, combine crabmeat, green onions, herbs, and pepper. Mix in mayonnaise and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese until well combined. Refrigerate filling until ready for use.

Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp towel. Remove stems. Spoon out the gills and the base of the stem, making deep cups. Discard gills and stems. Fill the mushroom caps with rounded teaspoonfuls of filling, and place them in an ungreased shallow baking dish. Sprinkle tops with Parmesan and paprika.

Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and serve immediately

Cajun Appetizer Meatballs

Ingredients (credit: AllRecipes.com)

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup barbeque sauce
• 1/2 cup peach preserves

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking sheet.

In a large bowl, mix thoroughly the ground beef, hot pepper sauce, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, onion, bread crumbs, milk, and egg.

Form the mixture into golf ball sized meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until there is no pink left in the middle.

In a small bowl, combine the barbeque sauce and peach preserves.

When meatballs are done, place in a serving dish and cover with the barbeque sauce mixture. Toss to coat.

Wine Pairings:

For the Crab Stuffed mushrooms…

Champagne: a dry (Brut), light sparkling wine that is refreshing and food-friendly

For the Cajun Meatballs…

Zinfandel: (a spicy red wine with blueberry and blackberry 

Cheers!

Hello Vino