Appetizers worth Applauding

Sausage balls and creamy fiesta dip...but WAIT before you click away.  These aren't your usual recipes. Did you really think I would give you a recipe you can find a thousand times in blogland?

 SAUSAGE BALLS (WITHOUT BISQUICK!)

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. water

1 1/2 c. herb seasoned stuffing

1 egg, beaten

1 roll sausage (regular sized roll)

Melt butter in water in saucepan. Remove from heat. Stir into stuffing, then add egg and sausage. Blend thoroughly. Use your hands! Chill for easier shaping.

Roll into small balls. Place in shallow pan and bake at 350 degrees until brown. They smell heavenly and taste even better!

I got the recipe from Southern Living over 30 years ago. It is tried and proven!

This recipe I got from one of my students, Lizzie, about ten years ago. It is also tried and proven. My husband took it to work not long after I got it, and the girls at his work asked for the recipe. He called me and I gave him the recipe over the phone. I found out later that he dubbed the dip, "Lori's a Dip Dip". ha. ha.!!  It's been called that ever since!

It is not attractive looking, but it is beyond delicous!

Lori's a Dip dip!

1 8 oz. block cream cheese (room temp.)

1 carton 12 oz. sour cream

1 envelope Ranch DIP powder

1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes

1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

With mixer, blend cream cheese and sour cream together.  Add Ranch dip powder. Mix.

Add can of Ro-tel. I like to drain some of the juice first before I add it. 

Add shredded cheese. I usually use cheddar or a Mexican blend.  Mix in well. Chill.

Serve with chips, veggies, crackers or spread on tortilla's.

Oh my goodness the deliciousness!

Enjoy these two 

not-your-ordinary-appetizers.

Perfect for Christmas parties or Christmas Eve gatherings.

****Edited to add--These would be PERFECT for any New Years celebration or football game-watching-day!
Check out other great recipes at Foodie Friday.