Happy Holiday Hosting

Happy Holiday Hosting

(Family Features) The holidays are upon us! Whether planning for a gathering with friends or preparing to host relatives from out of town, it can get a little overwhelming. So this year, spend less time getting wrapped up in stresses of the season, and more time being a jolly holiday host.

To make the holiday season go more smoothly, check out www.HamIdeas.com  for the Cook's Ham Holiday Idea-Casts. Beginning Nov. 14 and continuing each week through the New Year's holiday, you'll find helpful tips to de-stress the holiday season. From party tips to family favorite recipes, great ideas to keep the holidays happy are just a click away.

Send your favorite holiday tip, name and address to tips@hamideas.com, and if it gets posted online, you will receive a coupon for $5 off any Cook's Ham.

So, when planning the office holiday party and preparing the family seasonal soiree, create your own holiday cheer by preparing these easy recipes for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

---

Early Morning Ham Crescents

Wrap up an easy breakfast with these quick ham crescents.
Makes approximately eight crescents

1 Cook's Bone-in Thick Cut Ham Steak
4 provolone cheese slices
1 package of refrigerated crescent rolls

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Cut eight 4-inch ham strips from ham steak and lay half of a cheese slice on top of each.

3. Separate dough into triangles. Wrap dough triangle around ham and cheese. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Post-Present Ham Pita Pizza

After the gifts are opened, make something everyone will enjoy.
Makes four pizzas

2 cups chopped Cook's Bone-in Ham
4 pita bread rounds
4 teaspoons olive oil
12 tablespoons pizza sauce
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Spread one side of the pita with olive oil and pizza sauce. Top with ham, pineapple, cheese and season with garlic salt.

3. Place pita pizzas on baking sheet, and cook until cheese completely melts, about 5 minutes.

Party Host Holiday Ham Spirals

Please all of your party-goers with a new twist on finger-food.

1 cup chopped Cook's Bone-in Ham
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 green onions, diced
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
6 (6-inch) flour tortillas
24 ounces prepared salsa

Directions

1. Heat ham according to package directions before chopping. Combine ham, cheeses, green onions, bell pepper and 1/2 cup salsa in a mixing bowl.

2. Spread evenly onto tortillas, to within 1/4 inch of edges. Roll up tightly; wrap individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 1 hour, or until chilled.

3. Remove plastic wrap. Trim ends from roll-ups; discard. Cut each roll-up into 6 spirals to serve. Serve with remaining salsa for dipping.

For a creative spin on these Spirals, check out the "Holiday Ham Tortilla Tree" under the 'Appetizer' recipes at www.HamIdeas.com.  

Courtesy of Family Features
Source: Cook's Ham