Appetizer: Mini Cheeseball Bites

For a classic appetizer that makes munching-while-mingling simple, consider these crowd-pleasing cheeseball bites. They’re like the standard cheese ball party fare, but instead of an awkward large lump that everyone shares, these offer individual portions that guests can eat in one bite.

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup white cheddar

3/4 cup dried fruit

1 1/2 cup mixed nuts, finely chopped

1 1/2 cup bacon crumbles

Medium-sized pretzel sticks

1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons italian seasoning

Beat together cream cheese, cheddar, fruit, and herbs until smooth. Form into balls and place on baking sheet to chill for at least 2 hours. Roll each ball into bacon, nuts, or both. Use the pretzel for a holding stick and enjoy!

The Main Course: Korean Meatballs
Spice up your holiday party with some spicy Korean-style Gochujang meatballs. These tasty treats are rolled into perfect bite-size balls so you’re able to pop them in your mouth with ease.

FOR THE MEATBALLS:

 

3 green onions, very thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

2 tablespoons canola oil, for pan-frying

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients except oil. Be careful not to overmix! Form into small meatballs and then brown them in batches in the oil in a large skillet. Transfer browned meatballs onto a baking pan and bake for 10 minutes.

In a small saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients and then simmer for 5 minutes over medium, until mixture thickens. Before serving, brush meatballs with glaze and sprinkle with garnish. Spear with mini forks for portability.

Dessert: Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
No party is complete without a scrumptious dessert. These strawberry cheesecake bites are a unique spin on chocolate-dipped fruit and cheesecake. They only have a few steps and can be made the night before your event.

8 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

12 large fresh strawberries, hulled

2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs

2 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon canola oil

Beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spoon mixture into a piping bag and fill hollowed strawberries with about 1 tablespoon. Dip exposed filling into the graham cracker crumbs. Melt the chocolate and oil in a bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm and smooth. Dip the unfilled ends of the strawberries into melted chocolate and chill on a baking sheet until set.

Your friends at Neighbors Emergency Center hope you have a safe and happy holiday season. Remember, we are open 24/7 year-round, even on holidays, so if you have an emergency, come see us. Check our Facebook page for the latest information. With our 24 hour emergency rooms throughout the Houston metro area, we can treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love.

Scholars from Hippocrates mentions garlic for the treatment of many conditions, including parasites, respiratory issues, poor digestion, and low energy. It was once believed to fight off acne, warts, toothaches, and evil spirits.

Garlic is great for everyday concerns too, such as stomachaches and headaches. Some even believe it can help prevent the common cold.

One way you can avoid this is to roast it in the oven. Here’s a simple recipe outlining the easy steps to perfectly delicious garlic. It’s wonderful on its own or mixed into mashed potatoes.

If you’re ready for maximum flavor and nutrition, consider giving Ina Garten’s Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic a try. Chock full of about three whole heads of garlic, this dish gets rave reviews from readers. No breath mints after dinner? Try chugging a glass of milk after eating. The fat should help with any lingering odor.

At Neighbors Emergency Centers, we strive to deliver the best in Houston emergency care services. We are open 365/24/7 for your convenience. To locate your nearest Neighbors, please visit nec24.com.