On This 7th Day of Christmas

My True Love gave to me Seven Swans a Swimming. The Seven Swans represent the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. We have been blessed with different gifts, according to God’s grace given to us.

No single gift is greater than another. All are necessary, in harmony according to His plan, for the betterment of mankind. These gifts come down through the Holy Spirit. Traditionally these gifts were Understanding, Piety, Wisdom, Knowledge, Fortitude, Counsel and Fear of the Lord. Today we know these gifts as Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Encouragement, Giving, Leadership and Compassion. Some are called to receive a single gift, others share in a multitude. A teacher need not be in a classroom, and a leader need not hold public office. To Serve could mean putting on a uniform or taking the lowliest of positions to serve the needs of others. What is truly important in the gifts of the Holy Spirit is that we not squander what we have been given. Share your particular light with the world. Be not afraid. For great is the reward that awaits in heaven.

Let us pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Lord; if I might receive but a single gift, let it be wisdom to come to know You and accept Your will above all else. Let me recognize Your gifts within me that I may follow Your plan for me for betterment of the world and Your glory. Grant this through Christ, our Lord, who lives and reins with You and the Holy Spirit. One God forever and ever. Amen.

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I cannot help but notice that we are reminded of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit – such as Wisdom and Piety on what is now New Year’s Eve – when we all tend to loose our minds and better judgment. In the secular world, today is National Champagne Day. Gee, I wonder why?

Now I asked you, who doesn’t enjoy a New Year’s Eve Party? Our tradition (since leaving Las Vegas) is to get together with friends and family at my sister’s home. The draw back is that, for us, it’s an hour’s drive. That means my party contributions must either be tidbits that can be served cold, or something that can be quickly warmed upon arrival. This year I’ve got a few new recipes to share that are best to serve cold. Enjoy!

Cold but Festive
Spicy Shrimp Shooters
Caprese Skewers
Black Tie Affair Cheese Bites

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Spicy Shrimp Shooters
1 lb (16 count) Shrimp
Cayenne Pepper to taste
Cilantro for garnish
4 Limes
1 lb Cajun Sausage
Spicy Olive Oil as needed
16 Cocktail Skewers
16 Shooter Glasses
1 cup Spicy Cocktail Sauce

Clean, peel and devein shrimp. Sprinkle with Cayenne pepper to taste, set aside. Finely mince cilantro, set aside. Cut limes into wedges, set aside. Coin cut Cajun Sausage into 16 rounds, set aside.

Heat a little spicy Olive Oil such as Jalapeno or Habanero flavored oil in a large skillet. Scatter Cajun Sausage into the skillet, fry until warm and just browned. Remove sausage, set aside.

Cook shrimp in the now empty skillet over medium heat until pink, turning as needed. Remove from skillet.

Place about a tablespoon or so of spicy cocktail sauce into the bottom of each shooter glass. Sprinkle with just a pinch of minced cilantro. Place a slice of sausage into the curve of the shrimp. Skewer shrimp and sausage together with a cocktail skewer. Balance each skewer on the rim of the shooter glass. Serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.

Caprese Skewers
1 pint small Tomatoes
1 bunch Basil Leaves
16 oz Marinated Mozzarella Cheese Balls (about 30)
8 oz Marinated Olives (about 30)
30 Cocktail Skewers

Cut tomatoes in half, set aside. Pluck basil leaves from the stems. Place a layers of leaves down the center of a serving platter.

Build skewers as desired with a Mozzarella Cheese Ball, basil leaf, olive and tomato half. Arrange on the platter. Chill until ready to serve.

Black Tie Affair Cheese Bites
1 round Smoked Gouda
1 round Brie
1 block Monterey Jack
1 can small Black Olives
Round Crackers of choice

Cut cheeses into triangles that will fit nicely on the crackers. Any while cheese will do, so long as it can be cut into the desired shape.

Cut black olives to form the bowties and buttons for the tuxedos. Arrange crackers on a serving platter. Adorn cheese wedges to look like tuxedo shirts. Place on the crackers and serve.

Happy New Year!

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Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways