Christmas Party Goodies

Tonight we went to my sister's house for a little pre-Christmas party and gift-opening session for those in the family who would not be making the journey to the back woods for Christmas day. Of course we each had to bring an item or two, so I did my two standby favorites that always seem to go over well. The first was Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms. I also made some Cheese and Spinach Puff Pastry Pockets, adapted from a recipe by Giada that is found here. The only major change is that I use smoked gouda instead of the Fontina cheese. I just love the deep flavor it gives the pastries.


Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Found at cdkitchen.com

40 large mushrooms
½ cup grated Romano cheese
¾ cup dry bread crumbs (I use Progresso Italian breadcrumbs)
½ cup grated onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp parsley, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp oregano
¾ cup olive oil

Wash mushrooms. Remove stems and chop. Mix all ingredients except mushroom caps and oil. Stuff caps. Pour a bit of oil into baking pan; arrange mushrooms in pan. Pour remaining oil over each mushroom cap. Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes. Place under broiler for 2-3 minutes to brown the tops.