HOT ROAST BEEF PARTY SANDWICHES and HAM AND CHEESE SKEWERS

I invited a dear friend over for cocktails and appetizers. We caught up over these tasty foods, that really should have been served to a crowd. Both of these recipes are a wonderful mixture of sweet and savory, with the flavors blending perfectly in each delicious mouthful.

HOT ROAST BEEF PARTY SANDWICHES

1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 12 ounce package of dinner rolls (I used Hawaiian rolls)
2/3 cup apricot-peach preserves
1/2 cup mustard-mayonnaise blend (I mixed my own, but apparently there is one you can buy)
3/4 pound of thinly sliced roast beef
1/2 pound of thinly sliced havarti cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Heat walnuts in a small skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, 5 to 6 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Remove rolls from package (do not separate rolls). Cut rolls in half horizontally, creating 1 top and 1 bottom. Spread preserves on cut sides of top of rolls. Spread mustard-mayonnaise blend on cut sides of bottom of rolls, sprinkle with walnuts, and top with beef and cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cover with top halves of rolls, preserves sides down, and wrap in aluminum foil.
Bake at 325F, for 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese is melted. Slice into individual sandwiches.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, October 2007
www.southernliving.com/

HAM AND CHEESE SKEWERS

1 (5 ounce) blue cheese wedge
1/2 pound of ham
1 large apple, sliced
arugula or watercress
wood or metal skewers

Cut cheese and ham into 3/4 inch cubes (you can also buy it already cubed). Cut apple slices into thirds.
Thread cheese, apple, arugula and ham onto skewers. Place on a serving plate.
Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Southern Living, October 2007
www.southernliving.com/