2 pitch-in recipes for Holiday parties.. rum balls & squash casserole

[Jo777]

I made these two for a party last night- they both were a hit! Esp the rum balls- so easy to throw together too.

I made the balls small- the size of an aggie marble, since they are really rich. Made them into two biters by doing that, so each batch ime, makes about 24-26 pcs.

http://buttoni.wordpress.com/2013/12/12/rum-balls/

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/butternut-squash-casserole-2/

The casserole got a change-up, as I roasted the squash till caramelized in spots, added 1/2 the sweetener (used erythritol/inulin), and used 1/2C heavy cream, and no milk, and real butter. Plus I had dried some cranberries, so I diced those fine, added a handfull of them, plus zest of an orange, warm spices, and used GF oat flour in place of wheat (we had several gluten-free folks attending.) Topping was sweetened spiced pecans & more butter. Baked in less time- tasted awesome!

 

[Jo777]

ooooh, found out the casserole is even better cold, sliced and eaten w/ bfast coffee. Todd also discovered, if you add a small handful of dark choc chips- it really takes it to dessert-level good. Something about the tang of the orange zest and cranberries really works better cold (& really well with chocolate )

 

[Purple Frog]

That casserole sounds amazing!
I'll be making for the next potluck at work.