Easy Entertaining for Beginners

Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! The saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the chocolate work together. It’s so good, it’s scary!

2 pounds thick sliced bacon
2 – 8 oz. bars semi-sweet baking chocolate
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Orange sprinkles

Fry bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels. Cut each slice in half. Melt chocolate according to package directions in microwave and mix with butter. Dip bacon slices into chocolate mixture with tongs. Drain on cooling rack over aluminum foil and sprinkle with orange sprinkles. Let cool for 2 hours or until chocolate has hardened. Cut into halves again for bite-size pieces. Store in airtight container in fridge. Use within 1-3 days

Crunchy Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts: A new twist on a classic salad for your fall entertaining menu. Add purchased candied walnuts for a sweet and crunchy balance with the tart apples and celery.

Serves 8-10

4 cups tart apples, about 4-5 medium apples (Granny Smith and/or McIntosh), seeded, chopped, unpeeled

1 cup celery, chopped

1 cup purchased candied walnuts, chopped,

¾ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup sour cream

Mix all ingredients except for the candied walnuts in large bowl. Cover, refrigerate for 30 minutes. Add walnuts and serve.