Hanky Pankies

Hanky Pankies are a crowd-pleasing snack that brings ease and convenience to entertaining guests, as noted by Sharon Skildum from Maple Grove, Minnesota. The beauty of this appetizer lies in its simplicity, as it can be prepared in advance, frozen, and then quickly baked when needed. This practical approach reduces last-minute kitchen fuss, providing hosts with more time to spend with their guests and ensuring a stress-free gathering.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound bulk pork sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 pound Mexican process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 loaf (1 pound) snack rye bread
• Minced fresh parsley (optional)

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, pork sausage, and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the cubed Mexican process cheese, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, blending the flavors into a savory mixture.
2. Spread each slice of snack rye bread with 1 heaping tablespoon of the prepared mixture and place them on baking sheets. Broil the bread slices 4-6 inches from the heat source for 3 minutes or until the mixture becomes bubbly and the bread is toasted. These Hanky Pankies can also be frozen without thawing and broiled when needed.
3. If desired, garnish the Hanky Pankies with minced fresh parsley before serving for an added touch of freshness and color.

YIELD:

• About 4 dozen Hanky Pankies

COOKING TIME:

• 30 minutes (prep time)
• 15 minutes (cook time)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• To save time on the day of the gathering, prepare the Hanky Pankies in advance, freeze them, and then broil them without thawing when ready to serve.

TIPS:

• Choose a good quality snack rye bread to complement the rich and flavorful meat and cheese mixture.
• Experiment with additional seasonings, such as garlic powder or paprika, to customize the flavor to your liking.

Hanky Pankies, a beloved snack cherished in Cleveland and popular at tailgate parties and potlucks, have found their way into the hearts of many, including Sharon Skildum from Maple Grove, Minnesota. With their practicality and crowd-pleasing taste, these appetizers have become a staple for hosts who seek to spend more time with their guests and less time in the kitchen during gatherings.

The convenience of freezing the Hanky Pankies in advance allows for quick and easy preparation on the day of the event. Combining ground beef, pork sausage, chopped onion, and Mexican process cheese, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, creates a delectable mixture that perfectly complements the snack rye bread.

Broiling the Hanky Pankies until the meat and cheese mixture becomes bubbly and the bread is toasted imparts a delightful crispness to each bite. The option to garnish with minced fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and a visually appealing touch to these delectable treats.

Customization is encouraged with this recipe, as hosts can experiment with different seasonings or choose their preferred snack rye bread for a personalized touch. Whether served as a game day snack or an appetizer at a potluck, Hanky Pankies are sure to win over the hearts and taste buds of everyone at the gathering.

In conclusion, Hanky Pankies are a delightful crowd-pleaser that have earned their place among cherished snacks for gatherings. Their simplicity, make-ahead option, and mouthwatering taste make them a go-to choice for hosts who wish to minimize kitchen fuss and maximize time spent enjoying the company of their guests.