Eggnog Cream Cheese Dip Wfresh Fruit Wreath Food

EGGNOG CREAM CHEESE DIP W/FRESH FRUIT WREATH

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl & beat till smooth. (I love my immersion blender & it would be great for this)
• To Serve: Place dip in a serving bowl on a rd serving plate or platter & arrange fresh fruits around it to create a decorative, edible wreath.
• HINT: A note says to "Keep any cut fruit fresh by sprinkling w/lemon juice.", but I have found it more efficient to brush the cut surfaces of fresh fruit (such as apples or pears) using my pastry brush -- or -- put lemon juice in a sml plastic bag, add the fruit slices/wedges, shake to cover the cut surfaces w/juice & store in a container w/a snap-on lid till ready to serve.

CREAM CHEESE FRUIT DIP

Steps:

• In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, brown sugar and vanilla until smooth. Serve with fresh fruit for dipping. Refrigerate leftovers.

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED FRUIT WREATH

Steps:

• Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.
• Wash and dry fruit. Slice star fruit.
• Heat chocolate ships and shortening in a small pot over low heat, stirring often until smooth. Remove from heat.
• Dip HALF of each fruit piece in chocolate. Place on waxed paper. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
• Arrange fruit on a serving plate in the shape of a wreath. Garnish with fresh rosemary and/or fresh mint leaves by inserting sprigs into the "wreath" then top with an orange peel bow.
• Orange Peel Bow: Using a channel knife, cut a long strip of orange peel. Roll or sprinkle with sugar the arrange into a bow on top of the wreath.