Spur-of-the-moment appetizers

I enjoyed seedless strawberry jam with the bacon, cream cheese dip. Have extra jam and bacon ready to replenish.

The cream cheese dishes are good along side the stuffed jalapenos to help tame the heat.

I hope some of these dishes are on your Thanksgiving day table and I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving day with your friends and family.

Cream Cheese and Jalapeno Jam

1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese at room temperature

1/2 cup jalapeno jam or preserves of your choice

1/2 cup home made bacon bits

Place cream cheese on a large serving dish. Warm jalapeno jam or preserves in the microwave. Pour jam over cream cheese. Sprinkle with bacon bits. Serve with wheat thins.

Cream Cheese and Salsa

1 (8 ounce) block of cream cheese, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cups salsa (with jalapenos of course)

Tortilla chips

Spread cream cheese in a microwave-safe pie plate. Top with cheese. Microwave until cheese is melted. Top with salsa. Serve with tortilla chips.

Stuffed Jalapenos

1 large can pickled, sliced jalapeno peppers, well drained and seeds removed.

1 small can tuna, packed in water

1 tablespoon each, red, yellow and green bell peppers, finely diced

1 tablespoon red onion, finely diced

2 teaspoons mayonnaise, or to taste

Stir together and spoon into jalapeno peppers. Arrange on a platter. Cover and chill until serving time. Offer crackers along side. Cook’s note: advise guests these are very hot and delicious.

Artichoke Dip

1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, well drained and chopped

1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies or jalapenos

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 cup shredded cheese blend of your choice.

In a medium size serving bowl, stir together the ingredients. Microwave until melted. Stir until creamy. Serve warm.