GTB RECIPES

SECRET REVEALED: SAVORY SNACK FOR SURPRISE GUESTS

By Ellen "EJ" Sackett

Coming up with nibble food for drop-in guests isn't magic. It takes more than smoke and mirrors, although planning for the unexpected and knowing a few shortcuts helps. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. This is one of them.

This hors d'oeuvre can be prepared in seconds—with no sleight of hands!—and makes even the most impromptu gathering special. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adapt it according to what's in your pantry. As long as you have cream cheese, some kind of fruit preserve and a mild cracker, you're good to go. Try Stonewall Kitchen's Roasted Garlic Onion Jam, which can be purchased online at www.stonewallkitchen.com and at specialty kitchen stores, or try one of many Polaner All Fruit products, made with 100% fruit and fruit juices, available at most local grocery stores. Red or Green Pepper Jelly makes for a particularly delicious and festive holiday appetizer. Experiment with various jams and jellies to find your favorite combination. Then make sure you have an extra jar on hand so the next time someone arrives at your door unannounced, you won't have to pull a rabbit out of the hat.

Cream Cheese Starter

1 8 oz. package of plain cream cheese

1 small jar of jam, jelly or marmalade

1 pkg. Wheat Thins (or mild cracker)

Unwrap cream cheese package and place in the center of a serving dish. Smother it with your choice of fruit jam, jelly or marmalade, allowing the preserve to dribble over the sides. Surround the cream cheese and fruit preserve with Wheat Thins. Voila! Now watch your guests make it vanish!