Coffee Break!!

If you have a few minutes to spare this last week before Christmas I hope you'll consider adding today's Coffee Break! recipe to your holiday menu. In fact, it would be perfect for a New Year's get-together.

This past Sunday evening our church had our annual Christmas by the Fireside! This is the time when we convert our church into an informal living room, complete with electric fireplace and furniture. This year everyone gathered around to sing Christmas carols, listen to some beautiful orchestra music, special songs by the children, a funny skit and of course, the Christmas story play put on the the children.

During the intermission, there were lots of treats to sample - our church has some of the best cooks going and everything was delicious.

It was nice to hear so many comments about how relaxing their time was. That is always our goal - just a fun time to enjoy one another's company and to wish each other sincere holiday greetings. I really look forward to this event every year.

So, here is the recipe for this simple holiday treat.

What you'll need:
- 2 8-ounce tubes of crescent rolls*
- 1 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1 teaspoon of dill weed
- 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups of broccoli florets (freshly chopped)
- 1 cup of celery (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup of sweet red pepper (finely chopped)
- Celery leaves

* found in the refrigerator section of your grocery store

First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Next, remove the crescent roll dough from its packaging (make sure you don't unroll it). Cut each tube into eight slices and then arrange the slices in a circle (about 11 inches in diameter.) I've found it very handy to make your circle on an pizza pan (ungreased 14-inch size works well.)

Then, bake it for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the dough turns a lovely golden color. Cool for 5 minutes or so before gently removing your crescent dough wreath to a serving platter. Then, cool it completely.

In a small mixing bowl, beat the sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder and dill until nice and smooth. Then, spread the mixture over the wreath and top with the chopped celery, broccoli, and red pepper. You can complete this pretty picture by making a bow with the leftover celery leaves. Serves 16.

Special Note: This appetizer doesn't transport as easily as some so I made the wreath and bagged the dip and chopped veggies to bring with me to the party. It only took a few moments to assemble.

Last, but not least I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and that you'll find joy in the true meaning of the holiday.

With love,
Jessica