Great Cajun Appetizers! + More Dancin'

It's time for holiday parties in Cajun Country and I wanted to share a few of my favorite appetizer recipes with ya'll. The first one is an office party favorite and I always bring these fabulous meatballs to share with my dear colleagues at the annual Christmas party. The second one is always a big hit, and tends to end up on my New Year's buffet. Lots more goodies coming up, so stay tuned! Cest bon, cher!

 Spicy Cajun Party Meatballs

1/2 lb. ground pork
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1 egg, beaten
1 tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tsp.'s garlic, minced

1 or 2  jalapenos, seeded and chopped
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
2 tbs.'s fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 or 2 tbs's. Cajun seasoning
Salt and Tabasco to taste

In medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, and Worcestershire sauce. In separate large bowl, combine meat with all remaining ingredients. Combine the egg mixture with the meat and mix well. Shape mixture into 2 inch balls. Arrange meatballs in baking pan and bake @ 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway. Drain and place in crockpot on warm. Meanwhile make sauce.

Sauce
 
1 bottle chili sauce
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tsp. yellow or Creole mustard
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup grape jelly
1/2 cup beer
2 tbs.'s Liquid Smoke

Combine all ingredients in saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Pour over meatballs and coat well. Serve in crockpot to keep warm.

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Crab Stuffed Jalapenos

5 ounces cream cheese
3 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces lump crab meat
1 tsp. crushed garlic
1 green onion, chopped fine
juice of 1/2 lemon
salt to taste
12 large jalapenos, seeded and cut in half

Blanche the jalapenos in a large pot of boiling water for about 30 seconds
Plunge into ice water and drain.
Combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crab meat, onions , salt, and lemon juice
in a medium sized bowl. Mix well. Makes 24
Fill the jalapenos and bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes. I love these because they're baked and not fried, but I also love the fried version.

Hot, spicy and delicious. Bon Appetit!

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More Dancin'

I've received a few requests for some more Cajun dancing videos. Here's a little clip
that I took at this year's Festival Acadiens, in October. Not even a little mud will stop a Cajun from dancing! Let the good times roll, cher! 

Hope ya'll are having FUN, too! Merci beaucoup for stoppin' by!