Start off your holiday party with this appetizer and drink

Spice up your holiday get-together with this smart, fun appetizer and drink that EVERYONE can enjoy! Heather Tallman, Basilmomma, shows us how!

Cheddar Bacon Cheeseball Bites

12 oz cream cheese, softened

1 C shredded medium or sharp cheddar

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

Pinch kosher salt

Fresh black pepper

8 slices bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled

⅓ C chopped fresh chives

Mix all but last 2 ingredients.

Roll into 1″ sized balls and place on a cookie sheet to chill in refrigerator.

Mix bacon and chives in a shallow dish.

Roll each ball in bacon and chives.

Serve.

Can be made a day ahead.

Sparkling Cran-Raspberry Tea

2 C chilled brewed tea

2 C chilled cran-raspberry drink

2 C chilled sparkling water

Raspberries or lime slices for garnish

Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Combine tea and cran-raspberry drink in a large pitcher.

Add in sparkling water.

Serve over ice.

Heather’s Upcoming Events:

January 22: Cooking onstage at the Fantastic Food Fest

January 28: Cooking onstage at the Indianapolis Home Show at Noon AND at Macy’s in Castleton at 2:30 (upstairs in the home department)

January 29: Back at the home show cooking at noon and 2 pm.

To learn more, visit:www.basilmomma.comwww.facebook.com/basilmomma