Appetizer Trio: Part 1 Tried and True

So since our meals last week left something to be desired (take out, frozen pizza, hamburger casserole) in the gourmet or original departments I thought I might feature the trio of appetizers I made for a holiday party this weekend. The party was being hosted by one of my co-workers. She had asked everyone to bring something, a side or drinks, and she and her husband provided the main dish and a couple of sides as well as dessert-her signature! She's a great gal-and a fantastic cook.  So the bar was high. I decided I would make a small assortment of finger foods taking one tried and true recipe, one I'd tweak from a previous attempt, and a brand new recipe. Part 1 will be tried and true. This was a recipe adapted from, of all things, a pampered chef party recipe. It was designed to show off their chopper and I use it for the recipe, but you could just as easily chop everything with a big knife.

Artichoke Cups
Notes: Won ton skins can sometimes be hard to find-they're usually in the produce section somewhere near the pre-packaged lettuce. Many stores also sell out around New Year's Eve. You can use plain or marinated artichoke hearts, whichever is closer to hand or on sale. Since I only have the one mini tin I often make cupcake size using two skins in opposition and after they are par baked they can finish off on a flat cookie sheet. These can also be made ahead up to 3 days in advance, just store in fridge and bake when ready.

1pkg won ton skins

1 can or jar artichoke cups (14oz)

1/2 red bell pepper

1/3 mayo

1/2 cup grated parmasean, plus extra for topping

Preheat oven to 400F. Set won ton skin over space on mini muffin tin and press into space. Parbake for 7-10min of until bottoms are no longer doughy, your edges will be browner and that's ok, just don't burn them. Finely chop veggies and mix in a bowl with mayo and cheese. Fill each won ton cup with a spoonful of filling and top with a sprinkle of cheese. Place back into oven for about 5min until filling is warm through and cheese is melted.