The Perfect Party Piece

The holidays are over and this busy momma couldn't be happier!  I haven't even had time to blog in weeks!  Sorry if you missed me! = )  I definitely find the holidays more stressful than nostalgic, so why on earth did I plan a New Year's Eve party on top of everything else I had going on?  I really don't know the answer to that other than, when I planned it, the chaos of Christmas was just a vague and distant memory from holidays past.  When the day of the party arrived, though, I was tired of people, tired of parties, and tired of the holidays in general.  Fortunately, I at least had the foresight to plan party foods that were quick, simple, and still spectacular.  Parties call for finger food, and that can be terribly time-consuming, making all those individual bites of food, but this recipe makes a ton of servings, and they're a little larger than your average appetizer, so they go a long way towards feeding a hungry crowd.  Plus, they're chewy, crunchy, meaty, cheesy, and satisfying all at the same time, so you don't have to have a lot of other hors d'oeuvres to round out your buffet.  As it turned out, the party was a lot of fun, very little stress, and a great way to round out the holidays, thanks in no small party to this fabulous party bread!

Party Bread
Prep time: 15 min  Bake time: 20 min
Serves 15

1 loaf French bread
4 oz deli ham, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, diced
1/3 cup yogurt
1/2 stick melted butter
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar
1/4 tsp paprika
1/2 cup chives, minced
salt and pepper, to taste 

Slice bread into 1/2 inch thick slices (1 got 15 out of mine.)  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and top with sliced bread.

In a large bowl, stir together yogurt, butter and sour cream.  Add ham, garlic, onion, paprika, salt and pepper,1 cup of the cheese and half the chives.  Spread generously on top of bread slices, then sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Bake at 400F for 20 minutes or until cheese is golden brown and melted.  Top with remaining chives and serve warm.

95 calories per serving.  Click here for more nutritional info and shopping list!