Party appetizers that make you look like a good cook

Okay, Here are two appetizers that are super simple and fairly simple (respectively). Both are nice for entertaining, or for bringing to a party.

Sweet Pepper Cream Cheese

This requires that you know a Tastefully Simple representative (or dealer/pusher...might as well be...some of their stuff is addictive like crack). My dealer is Cindy Riley, and she can be reached at 636-942-3363 or at tastefullysimple.com/web/criley

- 1 block of cream cheese (your choice...I use Philedelphia original)
- Tastefully Simple Sweet Pepper Jalepeno jam/preserves.
- Crackers (I like multi-grain Wheat Thins...but any dippy kind of grain will do)

1. Place cream cheese on a plate.
2. Spoon Sweet Pepper jam over cheese to coat it (maybe about 1/4 - 1/3 jar per block of cream cheese)
3. Serve with crackers...super simple!

Herbed Shrimp and Tomatoes

This recipe comes from the December 2006 Better Homes and Gardens magazine. I will type it as written. I will note that it is easier to peel the raw, thawed shrimp if you purchase shrimp labled "ez peel." Waaaaaaay less work for you! This also comes with a recipe for Basil Dipping Sauce, which I will include. I have noticed that for a full batch of shrimp, a 1/2 batch of dipping sauce is more than sufficient. Adjust at will.

- 2 lb. fresh or frozen jumbo shrimp (20 - 21 per lb.) (note...I don't always use this count...just whatever is a good buy.)
- 2 T. snipped fresh basil
- 1 T fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 t. salt
- 1/4 t. ground black pepper
- 2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes

1. Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Peel and devein shrimp, removing tails. Rinse shrimp, pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl combine basil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 10 - 30 minutes.
3. In a large skillet cook shrimp, half at a time, in hot oil over medium-high heat for 2 - 3 minutes or until shrimp are opaque, stirring and turning often to cook evenly. Transfer shrimp to serving platter. (if taking to a party, make sure to keep cool until serving)
4. Add tomatoes to shrimp; gently toss to combine. Serve warm or chill until serving time. Serve with Basil Dipping Sauce.

Makes 8 servings

Basil Dipping Sauce

- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 T. snipped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 t. lemon juice
- 1 t. Dijon mustard
- 1/8 t. cayenne pepper

1. In a small bowl combine all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve with Herbed Shrimp and Tomatoes. Makes 16 1-Tablespoon servings.