Super Nachos

1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
Pinch of salt
1 small can refried beans or bean dip
1 10 or 12-ounce bag corn tortilla chips
1 1/4 pounds Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese, grated
1 large onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 6-ounce can black olives, chopped

Brown the ground beef in a medium skillet. Drain. Add the chili powder, cumin and salt. Set aside for a moment.
Spread a thin layer of refried beans or bean dip over the bottom of a platter or shallow, heat-proof bowl to anchor the first layer of chips.
Then spread a layer of chips over the beans, top with a layer of cheese, ground beef, onion, tomato and olives. Repeat until all the ingredients are used. Or, since this recipe usually makes about 4 layers, you can divide all the toppings into 4 portions for even layering.
Microwave on high until heated through, about 10 minutes, or bake at 375° for 20-30 minutes. Serve warm with sour cream and Guacamole Dip, if desired.

Cream Cheese Balls

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup cooked ham, finely chopped
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 cup nuts, finely chopped
Thin pretzel sticks, for picks

This recipe is easy to prepare, but allow several hours for it to chill:
Combine the cream cheese, ham, horseradish, mustard and hot pepper sauce in a small bowl and mix well.
Shape the mixture into 3/4" balls (about 48) and roll them in the chopped nuts.
Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
Before serving, transfer them to a serving platter and insert the pretzel sticks. Serve chilled.

Makes about 48 appetizers.

Spa Party Foods

Light finger foods make the best spa party treats. In addition to fresh fruit, serve tea sandwiches cut into small pieces perfect for snacking, assorted olives and crudites with a hummus dip.

Chocolate truffles round out the light meal nicely and help your guests keep that blissed out feeling long after their spa treatments end.

Slumber Party Food

Encourage guests to fill up on relatively healthy fare by offering pretzels, baby carrots and grapes at the start of the party. If you do decide to serve dinner, order a pizza or have the kids make mac ‘n’ cheese. When they pop the movie in, bring out the popcorn and theater candy faves like Raisinets®, Milk Duds®, Junior Mints® or Jujyfruits®. Later, let the kids make microwave s’mores or Rice Krispies Treats®, or pile a dozen scoops of ice cream in a mixing bowl and top it with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and a maraschino cherry to create a super-duper sundae to share. Need more snack ideas? Try some slumber party classics.

And don’t forget eats for the AM. Keep it simple with a spread of donuts and bagels with toppings, or serve pancakes, waffles or French toast for a fancier breakfast almost every kid will love.