Simple Saturday: Asparagus Rolls

These delicious asparagus rolls are a great make-ahead appetizer for parties.  Whether it's a cocktail party or a kid's birthday party, these are sure to be a hit.  Make the day before, or a month or more and freeze.

Ingredients
12 medium stalks asparagus (approx. 1 lb)
8 oz. neufchatel cheese
2 Tbsp Tastefully Simple Spinach & Herb Dip Mix
12 slices (approx. 1/3 lb) medium-sliced black forest ham

Make-Ahead Preparation

• Blanch asparagus.
• Soften cheese.  In a small bowl, combine cheese and Spinach & Herb Dip Mix
• Lay ham out flat.  Using a soft (e.g. silicone) spatula, gently spread cheese on ham, all the way to the edges.
• Place one stalk of asparagus on each slice of ham, along the long edge.  Roll ham with asparagus inside.
• Slice each piece of ham in thirds.  Tip:  If you're squishing the rolls while trying to slice, place the rolls in the freezer for an hour or so and then slice.
• Place in freezer container and store in freezer.

To Serve

• Thaw in refrigerator overnight.
• Serve cold, as a finger food or with toothpicks.

Makes 36 appetizers.

Weight Watchers Points Value: 1

Devon Thurtle Anderson, Independent Tastefully Simple Consultant
Consultant ID #0119436
http://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/dthurtle-anderson

Squash Soup

We all know how important it is that our families get enough vegetables in their diets.  We also know how hard doing so can be.  With this squash soup recipe, however, things just got simpler.  Make this soup ahead and freeze in portion-sized containers, for a great make-ahead snack or at-work lunch.  Or, make a big batch for dinner, or simply to have on-hand after dinner when you start to feel the munchies coming on.  Yet another option for this filling yet healthy, low-cal soup is to have a cup of it before each meal, and you'll find that you eat much less in a sitting.  No matter how you use this soup, chances are you'll be reaping its many health benefits for both you and your family.