celebrating new beginnings

I’m a pretty shy girl. I’ve always found it a challenge to push past my shyness and really get out there and make friends. It’s gotten easier as I’ve gotten older, but I still feel that twinge of shyness when meeting new people. It seems my shyness has transferred over to the blogosphere, too, as I find myself lurking around other food blogs trying to get up the courage to introduce myself.

I’ve been reading Culinary Concoctions by Peabody for some time now and she’s pretty amazing. So, I was very excited to see that she is hosting a virtual “housewarming” potluck and has invited all of her readers to join in the fun. Is there any more perfect way to say “hello” and meet some new friends?

Now, life’s been a little hectic here lately and I was worried that I wouldn’t get my act together in time to whip something up for the housewarming. Since I had a few spare minutes tonight, I thought I’d take the opportunity to rummage through the fridge and see what I could pull together. The inspiration was a leftover can of crescent rolls from Thanksgiving. The recipe (an old favorite) produces a quick but oh-so-tasty appetizer that’s rich and warm and perfect for a winter potluck. They balance perfectly on the side of a plate, they’re easy to eat with one hand while mingling, and did I mention they’re so tasty? Well, they are.

So, happy housewarming, Peabody! May you enjoy many happy years in your new home!

Bacon & Cream Cheese Crescents
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix cream cheese, bacon, parmesan, onions, parsley and cream until well blended and set aside.

Separate dough into triangles. Spread each triangle with 1 very generous tablespoonful of the cream cheese mixture. Roll each crescent, starting at the wider end. Place, seam-sides down, on ungreased baking sheet (line with foil or a silpat for easy clean-up).

Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Mmmmm. Perfect for all those holiday parties!