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Quick & Easy Holiday Appetizers

Sometimes, making the holidays special, delicious, and affordable all at the same time can prove rather challenging. Here are a few ideas for delectable appetizers featuring key ingredients on sale, making you a savvy shopper in addition to party planner extraordinaire!

A FRESH TWIST ON A CLASSIC

Try this flavorful and delicious spin on spinach dip- it whips up in a flash and can easily be made ahead while you’re preparing the rest of your feast! Bursting with fresh herbs & vegetables and loaded with rich, creamy scrumptiousness, it puts all other spinach dips to shame.

Organic Lemons SALE $0.99 each
Olivia’s Organic Spinach 5 oz SALE $2.99
Sir Kensington’s Mayonnaise 10 oz SALE $4.49

Fresh Spinach Feta Dip with Oregano
Ingredients:
1/2 cup red onion; finely diced
2 cloves garlic; minced
2 Tbsp fresh oregano; minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
3/4 lbs fresh spinach; finely chopped
1/2 cup each mayonnaise, sour cream, Greek yogurt (or any combination equal to 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup feta; crumbled
Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
Thoroughly combine red onion, garlic, oregano and lemon zest in a bowl. Fold in the chopped spinach, mayonnaise, sour cream and yogurt combination, feta, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more lemon, salt and/or pepper as needed. Allow to chill for at least a half hour to develop flavor.

PERFECT HOLIDAY CHEESE PLATTER

If you’re considering putting together a cheese board this season, do we have some good news for you! We have a wide assortment of cheeses on sale this month that just so happen to combine perfectly for an ideal platter! With everything from real deal Parmigiano-Reggiano to locally-made creamy chèvre, you can assemble it in a trice! Plus, what’s cheese without crackers & fruit? We have those on sale too!

Blythedale Farm Vermont Brie 7 oz SALE $4.59
Cablanca Goat Milk Gouda SALE $9.69/lb
2-Yr Parmigiano-Reggiano SALE $13.99/lb
5-Month Gruyere SALE $15.59/lb
Vermont Creamery Chèvre Log 10.5 oz SALE $6.99

Eco-grown Champlain Orchards Empire Apple Totes SALE $0.99/lb
Tierra Farm Organic Dried Cranberries SALE $9.99/lb
Field Day Organic Golden Round Crackers 8 oz SALE 3 for $5
Field Day Stoneground Wheat Crackers 8 oz SALE $1.99
Carr’s Table Water Crackers 4.25 oz SALE 2 for $5

EASY PEASY (MEATY CHEESY) MEATBALL PARM

For a dish that could almost not be any simpler, check out this satisfying and flavorful meatball parmesan! With only a handful of quality ingredients and minimal steps required, you’ll have plenty of time to devote to your more complicated dishes- or even spending time with loved ones!

Shelton Turkey Meatballs 10 oz SALE $4.99
Dell Amore Pasta Sauce assorted varieties 25 oz SALE $5.49
2-Yr Parmigiano-Reggiano SALE $13.99/lb

Meatball Parmesan with Fresh Herbs
Ingredients:
2 lbs meatballs; frozen
4 cups marinara sauce
3 cups mozzarella cheese; shredded
1 cup parmesan cheese; shredded
1/4 bunch parsley or other fresh herbs; washed, dried, and chopped

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F and roast meatballs on an oiled sheet pan until thawed and golden brown. In a baking dish, assemble layers of meatballs, sauce, and cheese. Bake until heated through and cheese in melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley or other herbs.

GETTING ALL DAL-ED UP

Serving this classic Indian recipe during the holidays might seem like a departure, but it’s full of warming spices and brings a hefty dose of healthy ingredients to the table! Combining lentils, spinach, garlic and spices to make a simple, delicious dish that’s vegan-friendly, serve it with naan or rice or even pita chips for a gorgeous, flavor-packed dish!

Organic Yellow Onions 3 lb bag SALE $3.29 each
Organic Ginger SALE $4.99/lb
Organic Green Lentils SALE $1.99/lb
Olivia’s Organic Spinach 5 oz SALE $2.99
Organic Lemons SALE $0.99 each

Green Lentil Dal with Spinach
Ingredients:
1 onion; medium dice
2 bell peppers; medium dice
4 cloves fresh garlic; minced
2 Tbsp fresh ginger; peeled and grated or minced
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp coriander
2 tsp cardamom
2 tsp turmeric
4 cups green lentils
6 cups vegetable stock
1 pkg frozen spinach or 1 lb fresh spinach
¼ bunch fresh cilantro; washed, dried, and chopped
Lemon juice, as needed
Vegetable oil, as needed
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
In a large pot, heat enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Sweat onions and peppers until soft. Add garlic, ginger, and spices. Cook long enough for them to become sweetly aromatic, then add lentils. Stir lentils to evenly coat in oil and spices. Add stock and cover. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and gently cook until liquid is almost gone and lentils are tender, but still al dente. Add spinach, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if needed to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust to personal preference!

Eager for more ideas? Check out our sale and recipe pages and find your holiday inspiration! All sales good 12/2-12/29.