Party Platter Stuff

 Back in the day it wasn't unusual for people to have home parties where family and friends, or even neighbors, would get together and socialize "just because".  At these informal events, people often served little finger foods for nibbling on. Always, at the side tables, there would be small bowls of nuts and popcorn, there for short nibbles. But also served, either by the hostess or out on a table, there would be other little nibbles. 

Among the favorite nibbles were Tuna Puffs and Cheese Straws. It seemed you couldn't go to one of these little shindigs without these being there! 

But there were other things on that party platter as well, and here are some of my personal favorites!

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TUNA PUFFS

• 2  5oz cans of tuna (I would use albacore or tuna packed in water)
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
• 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish

You will need to first make Cream Puff Shells (there's a recipe on Memaws!) But make them small!

1. Mix the filling very well and chill.
2. Right before serving, split the puffs and fill with the tuna filling. 

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HAM & CHEESE BALL

• 1 8oz brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 tbsp prepared mustard (I like Grey Poupon for the spice!)
• 1 cup very finely chopped ham (make sure to dry it off if you use canned or packaged ham)
• 1 tbsp horseradish (omit if using Grey Poupon)
• 1 tsp grated onion 
• 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts

1. Mix the cheese, mustard, ham, horseradish and onion together and form into a ball. 
2. Allow it to sit, wrapped in plastic, in the fridge for about 1 hour.
3. Open up, and roll in the nuts.
4. Wrap back up in a fresh piece of plastic wrap.
5. Chill until firm.

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CHEESE STRAWS

• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• dash of white pepper
• dash of cayenne pepper (can omit if sensitive)
• 1/4 cup softened butter (to room temp)
• 1 cup (or 4 oz) finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese (the finest grate possible)

1. Combine the flour, salt, pepper, cayenne
2. Beat the butter until light and fluffy
3. Add in the cream cheese and beat more
4. Add in the cheese and mix well.
5. Stir in the flour mixture and blend very well.
6. Shape into a 1/8" thick log and cut into strips
7. Place 1/2" apart and bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
8. Watch them closely so they don't burn!
9. Allow cooling on the tray before removing.

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PAULA DEEN'S CHEESE STRAWS

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or less or omit)
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese, room temperature
• 2 sticks of butter, room temperature

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Sift together the cayenne, flour, and salt.
3. Using a hand mixer, mix together the butter and cheese 
4. Add the flour
5. Extrude through a piping bag using a large tip of choice (most use star tip)
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, allowing to set after baking until cooled.

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TRISHA YEARWOODS' CHEESE STRAWS

• 4 cups sifted flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp cayenne powder
• dash of garlic powder
• 2 sticks softened butter
• 3 10-oz bricks of shredded cheddar cheese left at room temperature after shredding

1. Cream the butter and warm cheese together
2. Mix together the flour, salt, cayenne, and garlic powders.
3. Add the dry to the butter/cheese mixture until it feels like dough, adding more flour as needed.
4. Extrude through a large tip into long ropes on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 325 for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.