Not everyone can afford to jet off to a sunny locale for spring break. In fact, with the economy tanking surveys show that more and more families are planning to stay close to home as Old Man Winter departs. But just because you’re home for the days leading up to Easter, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the arrival of warmer temperatures.
The following simple finger food recipes are ideal to serve at a spring gathering for friends and family, and the best part–you won’t break the bank or your back making them:
SPRING BREAK SNACK MIX
Ingredients:
2 cans (15 ounces each) Garbanzo beans, rinsed, drained and patted dry
2 cups Wheat Chex Cereal
1 cup dried pineapple chunks
1 cup raisins
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly coat a 15 1/2-inch-by-10 1/2-inch baking sheet with butter-flavored cooking spray.
Generously spray a heavy skillet with butter-flavored cooking spray. Add garbanzos to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the beans begin to brown, about 10 minutes.
Transfer garbanzo beans to the prepared baking sheet. Spray the beans lightly with cooking spray. Bake, stirring frequently, until the beans are crisp, about 20 minutes.
Lightly coat a roasting pan with butter-flavored cooking spray. Add the cereal, pineapple and raisins into the pan. Add roasted garbanzos. Stir to mix evenly.
In a large glass measuring cup combine honey, Worcestershire sauce and spices. Stir to mix evenly.
Pour the mixture over the snack mix and toss gently. Spray mixture again with cooking spray. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the mixture from burning.
Remove from oven and let cool.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
HAM CHEESE AND BROCCOLI SWIRLS
Ingredients:
1/2 package puff pastry sheets (1 sheet)
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1 container garlic herb cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons milk
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well drained
1 1/2 cups finely chopped deli ham
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Directions:
Thaw pastry sheet at room temperature for 40 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Mix egg and water.
Whip together cream cheese and milk.
Unfold pastry on lightly floured surface. Roll into 16 x 12 rectangle. Spread cheese over rectangle to within 1/2 inch of edges. Top with broccoli and ham. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Starting at long side, roll up like a jellyroll, only to center. Roll up opposite side to center. Brush between rolls with egg mixture, then gently press rolls together. Cut into 32 (1/2 inch) slices.
Place on greased baking sheet. Brush with egg mixture. Bake 15 minutes or until golden.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Related Articles:
Spring Break Menu-Aloha Hawaii
Spring Break Menu: Tropical Treats
Spring Break Menu–Mexican Fiesta
More Tropical Treats: Pineapple Quick Bread