Halloween Appetizers

Are you throwing a little Halloween get-together or going to one in which you need to bring a dish? These little bat treats are super cute, easy to make and delicious! They might even be almost healthy.

Pistachio Cream Cheese Bats:

You’ll need:

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup crushed Heart of the Desert pistachios
• Black olives
• Blue tortilla chips

Here’s how to make them:

1. Combine the cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, Worcestershire and pepper, to taste, in a bowl. Mix well.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls.
3. Roll the mini cheese balls into the crushed pistachios.
4. Press two pieces of black olive into the cheese balls for the eyes.
5. Place on a serving tray and insert pieces of blue tortilla chips into the sides for “wings” and top for “ears.” Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Note: If you want your bats to have white centers in their eyes, just fill with a tiny bit of cream cheese.

Happy Halloween Snacking!

Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico. They are best known for their farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines. Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings. They offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts. The main store, on the ranch in Alamogordo, offers farm tours that showcases how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for weddings, private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.