Christmas Party Pinwheels
Christmas Party Pinwheels Recipe - Cream Cheese & Ranch Dressing
Introduction
Christmas Party Pinwheels are a delicious and festive appetizer that are perfect for holiday gatherings. These pinwheels are filled with a creamy ranch and vegetable mixture, rolled up in tortillas, and sliced into bite-sized pieces. They are easy to make and always a hit with party guests.
History
The origins of Christmas Party Pinwheels are unclear, but they have become a popular holiday appetizer in recent years. The combination of creamy cheese, ranch dressing, and crunchy vegetables wrapped in a tortilla is a winning combination that is sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 x 8 oz (227 g) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 x 0.4 oz (11 g) package of ranch salad dressing mix
- 0.5 cup of minced sweet red pepper
- 0.5 cup of minced celery
- 0.25 cup of sliced green onions
- 0.25 cup of sliced stuffed olives
- 4 x 10" flour tortillas
How to prepare
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and dressing mix until smooth.
- Add the red pepper, celery, onions, and olives; mix well.
- Spread about 0.75 cup of the mixture on each tortilla.
- Roll up the tortillas tightly and wrap them in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the wrapped tortillas for at least 2 hours.
- Slice the tortillas into 0.5" pieces.
Variations
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the filling for a smoky flavor.
- Use different types of tortillas, such as spinach or sun-dried tomato, for a colorful twist.
- Swap out the ranch dressing mix for a different seasoning blend, such as Italian or taco seasoning, for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
- Be sure to spread the filling evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla before rolling it up to ensure that each bite has a delicious combination of flavors.
- Refrigerating the wrapped tortillas for at least 2 hours before slicing them will help them hold their shape and make them easier to cut into neat pinwheels.
Serving Suggestions
Christmas Party Pinwheels are perfect for serving at holiday parties, potlucks, or as a snack while watching Christmas movies. They pair well with a variety of other appetizers and can be served alongside a festive cocktail or mocktail.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making perfect Christmas Party Pinwheels is to spread the filling evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla before rolling it up. This will ensure that each bite has a delicious combination of flavors and that the pinwheels hold together well when sliced.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have ranch dressing mix on hand, you can use a combination of dried herbs and spices, such as dill, garlic powder, and onion powder, to season the cream cheese filling. You can also use store-bought or homemade ranch dressing instead.
Make Ahead Tips
Christmas Party Pinwheels can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. Simply wrap the rolled tortillas in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to slice and serve.
Presentation Ideas
To make Christmas Party Pinwheels even more festive, you can garnish them with additional sliced olives, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika before serving. Arrange them on a platter in a spiral pattern for a visually appealing presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Christmas Party Pinwheels pair well with a variety of beverages, including sparkling wine, cider, or hot cocoa. They also go well with other holiday appetizers, such as cheese and crackers, shrimp cocktail, or meatballs.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Christmas Party Pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Christmas Party Pinwheels contains approximately 180 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Christmas Party Pinwheels contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Christmas Party Pinwheels contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Christmas Party Pinwheels contains approximately 4 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Christmas Party Pinwheels are a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the red pepper and celery in the filling. They also contain small amounts of vitamin A and calcium.
Alergens
Christmas Party Pinwheels contain dairy (cream cheese) and wheat (tortillas). They may also contain traces of soy from the ranch dressing mix.
Summary
Christmas Party Pinwheels are a tasty appetizer that is relatively low in calories and a good source of vitamin C. However, they are high in fat and carbohydrates, so they should be enjoyed in moderation.
Summary
Christmas Party Pinwheels are a delicious and festive appetizer that is perfect for holiday gatherings. They are easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and are sure to be a hit with party guests. Enjoy these tasty pinwheels at your next Christmas party or gathering!
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, during the holiday season, when I stumbled upon the recipe for Christmas Party Pinwheels. I remember it like it was yesterday - the warmth of the kitchen, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg in the air, and the excitement of trying out a new recipe.
I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for a Christmas party, and as usual, she had prepared a feast fit for a king. But it was the pinwheels that caught my eye. They were beautifully spiraled pastries, filled with a sweet and spicy mixture of dried fruits and nuts. I had never seen anything like them before, and I knew I had to get my hands on the recipe.
Margaret laughed when I asked her for the recipe, telling me that it was a family secret passed down through generations. But she could see the look of determination in my eyes, and she relented, promising to share the recipe with me on one condition - that I would make them for our next Christmas party.
I eagerly agreed, and Margaret handed me a stained and tattered piece of paper with the recipe scribbled on it. I thanked her profusely and tucked the precious paper into my purse, already dreaming of the delicious pinwheels I would soon be baking.
When I got home that night, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work. The recipe was simple yet intricate, requiring a delicate touch and precise measurements. I mixed the dough, rolled it out, and spread the filling evenly over the surface. Then came the tricky part - rolling the dough into a tight spiral without tearing or squishing it.
I held my breath as I carefully rolled the dough, praying that it would hold together. But to my surprise and delight, it came together perfectly, forming a beautiful pinwheel pattern. I cut the dough into individual slices, brushed them with an egg wash, and popped them in the oven to bake.
As the pinwheels baked, the kitchen filled with the most wonderful aroma - a tantalizing blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet fruits. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product, and when the timer finally dinged, I rushed to the oven to pull out the golden brown pinwheels.
I let them cool for a few minutes before taking a bite, and oh, the taste was divine. The pastry was flaky and buttery, the filling sweet and spicy, and the whole combination simply melted in my mouth. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple at all of my future Christmas parties.
Over the years, I have made these Christmas Party Pinwheels countless times, sharing them with friends and family, and each time, they are met with rave reviews. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own little touches and variations, but the core of the recipe remains the same - a cherished gift from my dear friend Margaret.
As I sit here now, preparing for another holiday season, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I have collected and mastered over the years. Each one tells a story, a memory of a special moment shared with loved ones, and each one brings joy and comfort to those who taste it.
And so, as I roll out the dough and spread the filling for my Christmas Party Pinwheels, I do so with a heart full of love and gratitude, knowing that this recipe, like so many others, will be passed down through the generations, bringing happiness and warmth to all who taste it.
Categories
| Celery Recipes | Christmas Appetizers | Cream Cheese Recipes | Green Olive Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Prepared Salad Dressing Recipes | Red Bell Pepper Recipes | Tortilla Recipes |