Do something different. Enjoy a dinner of just appetizers once in a while. Try these Sesame Chicken Strips, some Potato Skins, Baked Salami or perhaps some store-bought pigs-in-the-blanket. Add some cut up fresh vegetables and top the meal off with Pound Cake Cobbler. What a fun, family meal to eat in front of the TV or when you have friends over to watch a game… try it some night!

SESAME CHICKEN STRIPS

(Can be made in less than 1/2 hour)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tsp. onion powder or dried minced onion

1 tsp. dry mustard

1/2 cup crushed crackers

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1 1/4 lb. boneless chicken breasts

Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp. honey

1 tbsp. prepared mustard

In a bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, onion and 1 tsp. mustard. In another bowl, combine cracker crumbs and sesame seeds.

Cut chicken lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips. Dip strips into mayonnaise mixture, then into cracker mixture.  Place in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with foil or a disposable pan. Grease. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes or until juices run clear.

Combine sauce ingredients and serve with chicken strips. Makes 5-6 appetizer servings.

BAKED SALAMI

1 medium salami

1/2 c. brown sugar

1 tbsp. mustard

1 bottle chili sauce

dash lemon juice

Cut slashes lengthwise all around salami. Combine remaining ingredients.  Spread over salami and bake at 250 degrees for 3 hours, basting every 20 minutes. Serve with black bread and spicy mustard.

POTATO SKINS

5 medium baking potatoes

2 tbsp. margarine, melted

1/2 cup chopped tomato, optional for garnish

1/4 cup sliced green onions, optional for garnish

salsa, optional for garnish

Scrub potatoes, prick with a fork and microwave on high for 11 to 14 minutes, or until just tender. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/4-inch-thick shell.

Brush inside of each potato with melted margarine and sprinkle with a favourite seasoning (basil, paprika, garlic, etc.). Bake in 375-degree oven for 18-20 minutes.

Serve with salsa for dipping, or chopped tomato and sliced green onions. Note: If you’re making Sesame Chicken Strips, just bake potato skins together with the chicken but for a shorter period of time because of the higher oven temperature. Makes 6-8 servings.

POUND CAKE COBBLER 

1 store bought pound cake (about 10-3/4 oz.)

1 can cherry pie filling

1/3 cup water

1/2 tsp. almond extract

2 tbsp. slivered almonds (toasted preferable)

pareve whipped cream

Cut pound cake into 1-in. cubes.  Place in a 1-1/2 quart microwave-safe casserole dish. In a small bowl, combine pie filling, water and almond extract.  Spoon pie filling over cake cubes and sprinkle with almonds. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high 5-7 minutes, or until hot. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream. Makes 4-6 servings.