Treats - but not too Sweet

There are many traditions that are special this time of the year, and many of them involve food. Most of us find ourselves attending more meetings, gatherings, dinners and parties that include special foods of the season. It's easy to get a 'sugar overload'. For a recent shared supper before quilt club meeting, I tried to think of favorites that weren't so sweet. Here are the recipes for the two I took:

Vegetable Pizza
This is a colorful addition to any buffet, the green and red colors of the fresh veggies made it look especially festive for Christmas. And, it will be a healthy choice!       

1 pkg. (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough

1 pkg. (8 oz) cream cheese softened

½ cup mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip)

1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dry dressing mix

¼ cup sour cream

Raw vegetables of your choice, chopped – broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, mushrooms, peppers, cucumbers, radishes, onion, tomatoes, etc

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

            Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 10x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. (Or a 13-inch pizza pan). Unroll crescent roll dough and pat into the pan. Seal any seams. Bake 12-15 minutes until light golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely.

            In mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients except vegetables and cheese, mix well. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over crust.

            Chop veggies and sprinkle over cream cheese layer. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 

Pimento Cheese Spread (on Cocktail Rye Bread)

I don't claim to be Southern, but many of my favorite recipes have southern origins, including this  cheese spread that can be simple or fancy. 

3/4 cup light mayonnaise

1 (4-oz) jar diced pimiento, drained

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 (8-oz) block 2 % reduced-fat extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, finely shredded

1 (8-oz) block 2% reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

        Stir together mayonnaise, pimiento, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and ground red pepper. Stir in cheeses. 

Serve on crackers, cocktail bread, celery, or even white bread!