82- v v hatever the occasion, especially duung the holidays when family and friends gather, make guests feel special with an original approach to food and drink. Please the palate of the most discriminating guest with these unique appetizers and sparkling juice punches. Whether you’re planning for a small or large group, much of the preparation for these recipes can be done ahead of time, leaving you to spend time with your guests. Melba Shrimp Toasts offer up the zesty taste of red onion and hot pepper sauce with the elegance of shrimp. For an interesting mix of texture and taste, seive Brie and Brown Sugar Melba Toasts that combine the tastes of brie, Melba Toast and almonds with the sweetness of brown sugar For a dessert style appetizer. Mochaccino Raspberry Melba Bites will dazzle the taste buds with raspberry, coffee and chocolate flavors complemented by the mild taste and crisp texture of Melba Snacks. Your holiday celebration would not be complete without serving the traditional punch. Add sparkle to yours this year with sparkling fruit juices. Sparkling Holiday Punch is easy to prepare and makes a stunning impression, especially when garnished with fruited ice rings. Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer is made in a pitcher and served in tall, ice-filled glasses. Garnish with skewered orange slices and maraschino cherries to make a festive, refreshing holiday quencher. Sparkling Company Punch takes a little more time and planning, but is well worth the effort. For a festive presentation with little cost or effort, decorate your table with holiday plants, pieces of curled ribbon, colored confetti or candles in different sizes, shapes and colors. Add extra elegance by serving your recipe creations in crystal dishes and glassware, using colorful table runners and napkins to enhance the look. Present your Melba Toast appetizers and sparkling juice punches in any combination to suit your taste Together they bring delightfully unexpected and delicious flavors to all your holiday entertaining. Versatility and easy prcpaiation make them perfect for a spur-of-the-moment celebration or a long-planned occasion that needs that “extra something. “Rem ember, simplicity can be key to making youi party memorable and enjoyable, not only for your guests—but yourself as well! C f^>r^cy'pcwMe^/ For information and more great recipes from Old London Foods and Welch’s log onto: www.oldlondonmelba.com www.welchs.com or call Welch’s consumer 800 line at (800)-340-6870. w } ' v t“ \ An* s m CjL-?- From left: Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer, Sparkling White Grape Juice Cocktail, Mochaccino Raspberry Melba Bites (top) Brie and Brown Sugar Melba Toasts (middle), Melba Shrimp Toasts (bottom) and Sparkling Holiday Punch Melba Shrimp Toasts can (4 1/4 oz.) small shrimp, drained (fresh or frozen shrimp may be substituted) 1/4 cup mayonnaise or low fat mayonnaise dressing cup finely chopped celery 1/4 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce melba toasts (approx. 1/2 box) In medium bowl, combine shrimp, mayonnaise, celery, onion and pepper sauce. Spoon onto melba toasts. On microwaveable plate, microwave 6 at a time on High (100%) for 45 seconds or until heated through. Makes 12 servings Brie and Hnwit Migar Melba Toasts 8 ounce ripe Brie cheese, thinly sliced 2 tablespoon packed light brown sugar 1 to 2 tablespoon sliced almonds 12 melba toasts (approx. 1/2 box) Place 1 thin slice Brie on K l r Sft EaP -JWF I x^s a v melba toasts. Sprinkle with brown sugar and almonds. Place toasts on broiler pan. Broil 6 inches from source of heat until cheese begins to melt, about 1 minute. Makes 12 servings Mochaccino Raspberry Melba 4 ounce cream cheese 11/2 teaspoon chocolate syrup 1/2 teaspoon freeze-dried coffee granules 1/4 teaspoon sugar 1 package (5 1/4 oz.) white melba snacks squeezable raspberry fruit spread In small bowl, stir cream cheese, chocolate syrup, coffee and sugar until smooth Spoon 1/2 teaspoon cheese mixture onto melba snacks and top with 1/8 teaspoon raspberry spread. Makes 48 servings. Sparkling Holiday Punch 2 bottles sparkling white grape juice cocktail, chilled 1 can (11.5 oz.) frozen concentrated cranberry -aVr f *~ a *v teg a. r 3S Bites ypi-. P m juice cocktail 3 cups cold water 3 cans (12 oz. each) ginger ale, chilled In punch bowl, combine sparkling white grape juice, frozen concentrated cranberry juice cocktail and water. Gently stir in ginger ale. Float fruited ice ring made with sparkling juice and garnished with mint leaves. Serve immediately. Makes about 30 1/2-cup servings. Sparkling Cranberry Sprit/er 1 can (11.5 oz.) frozen concentrated cranberry juice cocktail, thawed 3 cans (12 oz. each) club soda, chilled 2 bottles sparkling red or sparkling white grape juice cocktail, chilled orange slices maraschino cherries In large pitcher, gently stir together cranberry juice cocktail concentrate and club soda. Add sparkling red or sparkling white grape juice cocktail. Serve immediately in ice-filled glasses garnished with skewered orange slices and maraschino cherries. Makes 12 8-oz. servings. El i j&mk Sparkling Company 3 cups of cold water 3/4 cups sugar 5 cinnamon sticks 1 bottle sparkling red or sparkling white grape juice cocktail, chilled 1 cup orange juice 1/2 cup lemon juice 3 bottles (16 oz. each) lemon-lime soda, chilled Ice cubes made with sparkling red or sparkling white grape juice cocktail In medium saucepan, combine water, sugar and cinnamon sticks to make cinnamon syrup. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks, cover and refrigerate two hours. In a large punch bowl, combine cinnamon syrup, sparkling red or sparkling white grape juice c ocktail, orange juice, lemon juice and soda. Add ice cubes. If desired, garnish punch with additional cinnamon sticks or float fruit-filled ice cubes, orange, lemon or lime slices. Makes about 30 1/2-cup servings. Punch