I don’t really know how many couples/families travel to timeshares over the New Year holiday, but I suspect that it’s more than I think. One year, we tried to get into Pinestead, our Traverse City resort, for a few days after Christmas. It never happened, because there was no availability. Usually we don’t enjoy being away from the family, anyway (check out our post on holiday travel), but that time it was supposed to be us, kids and grandkids.
In thinking about it afterward, that made sense. After all, the kids are on vacation from school, a lot of businesses shut down for the holidays, and even if they don’t, parents often take time off to be with the kids. This year, our grandkids are off until January 9—so what better time to take a trip to a cozy timeshare and leave behind the dust and clutter at home left by all the Christmas celebrations?!
Over the years, we have usually enjoyed our New Year’s Eves with 2 other couples, who are long-lasting dear friends. We keep it simple—the hosts provide champagne to toast in the New Year, and everyone brings 2 or 3 appetizers to share. Because of this custom, we have compiled some wonderful recipes—every year, each of us tries at least one new recipe. So here are some of our best and easiest to whip up in your timeshare!
CHEESY OLIVE PUFFS
2 C. (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
1-1/4 C. flour
1 stick margarine (melted)
1 2 oz. jar small pimiento-stuffed olives (or cut larger ones in half)
Work cheese and flour together until crumbly. Add butter and mix well with fork. (If dough seems dry, work with hands.) Mold 1 tsp. dough around each olive; shape into ball. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Bake 15-20 minutes @ 400 degrees. (Courtesy of Carol Mattens)
PINEAPPLE CURRY
If you want impressive, this recipe is it! I once won a prize in the appetizer category of a newspaper cooking contest with this one! And it’s so easy!
1 8 oz. bar cream cheese
¼ C. chopped chutney
¼ tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. curry powder
½ of a fresh pineapple
Toasted almonds
Crackers
Beat the cream cheese and add the chutney, mustard and curry. Mix and chill about 4 hours. Put in the half of a pineapple, and top with toasted almonds. Serve with crackers, or extra pineapple. (Courtesy of Carol Rasmussen)
HOT SHRIMP DIP
I don’t care for hard-boiled eggs, but you don’t really taste them in this recipe.
8 oz. cream cheese
¼ C. mayo (not Miracle Whip)
2 T. grated onion
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped fine
1 4.5 oz. can tiny or broken shrimp, drained
Cream together cream cheese and mayo. Add onion, 1 egg, and shrimp. Put into small casserole dish and top with remaining egg. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes, or until bubbly.
TACO PICK-UP STICKS
This is a fun one that the kids will like.
3 cans (7 oz. each) potato sticks
2 cans (6 oz. each) French-fried onions
1 can (12 oz.) salted peanuts
1/3 C. melted margarine
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
In a large bowl, combine potato sticks, onions and peanuts. In small bowl, combine margarine and taco seasoning. Mix well, pour over potato stick mixture and toss to coat. Place in 3 ungreased 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pans. Bake uncovered aat 250 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Makes about 24 cups. (Courtesy of Kathy H., Dallas, Texas)
HOLIDAY TURKEY TWIRLS
This one requires a bit more effort, but you can make it ahead and serve hot or cold!
1 8 oz. cream cheese
1 C. shredded cheddar or Mexican style cheese
¼ lb. deli turkey, chopped fine
2 T. chopped, dried cranberries or cherries
2 T. chopped pimiento-stuffed olives
2 T. salsa
½ to ¾ tsp. chili powder
4 10 in. flour tortillas
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in cheese, turkey, cranberries, olives, salsa and chili powder. Spread ½ C. mixture over each tortilla, and roll up tightly. Wrap in Saran Wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Unwrap, and cut into 1-inch slices. Serve chilled or bake on greased cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes. Makes 40 appetizers. (Courtesy of Taste of Home, 2009)
And last, but not least, a sweet-treat beverage for New Year’s Day:
LOVELY LATTES
1 C. half and half
4 T. brown sugar
4 T. caramel ice cream topping
1 ½ C. hot coffee
whipped cream
Stir brown sugar into half and half. Whip with a small whisk or spoon. Warm this a little bit (not too much) in the microwave. Pour coffee into 4 mugs and stir 1 T. caramel topping into each. Pour equal amounts of the half and half mixture into each mug, and top with whipped cream. Makes 4 lattes. (Courtesy of Kraft Allrecipes?)
These are really good, and no fancy coffee equipment required. If you enjoyed these recipes, check out some of our other Timeshare Cooking ideas:
However you choose to celebrate the holidays, we hope that you will have fun, be safe, and reconnect with family and friends. From Barb and John at Timeshare Tidbits, have a peaceful and happy New Year!
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