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An Ugly Sweater, Only Better

Joel Mahary | December 8, 2022

Food

A dash of creativity and your favorite finger foods can make for a fun (and ugly) treat!

While it may not be exactly fashion forward, what our ugly sweater platter lacks in stylish looks it makes up for in layers of fun and flavor. And let’s face it, you’re a regular fashion plate the rest of the year — these holidays are the time for you and family and friends to have a blast at a party you’ll be talking about for months, and that you’ll be chuckling about even longer.

♪♪ Make your friends an Ugly Sweater platter, watch their eyes alight ♪♪

Everybody loves an ugly sweater get-together. And our ugly sweater platter makes ‘em even better. Just as there seems to be no limit to how ugly a sweater can get, there’s really no limit to how yummy your platter can be. Take a dash of creativity and just mix it in with your favorite finger and party foods.

Our merry mavens of all that is tasty are of course partial to the beloved brands from Hormel Foods. You probably know us for SPAM® brand, world-topping bacon and other mouthwatering meats, but consider: We also offer delectables like Justin’s® nut butter chocolate cups, Skippy® peanut butter, Planters® snack nuts, Wholly® Guacamole, and dozens of other people-pleasing products and dishes.

♪♪ This year your party will be out of sight ♪♪

Use our beautiful ugly photo as your inspiration, or perhaps your starting point. Think of fun, unexpected pairings and striking patterns using shape and color. A bit of artfully placed tinsel and a few goofy ornaments can take your gathering to the next level. If you’re looking for a theme, think of your favorite holiday traditions, customs and stories — a platter built around Rudolf’s blinking red nose just may strike that right balance of the garish with the delish.

It’s a great way to chase away the winter blues with fun that people of any age can enjoy. No knitting required!

♪♪ So have yourself an Ugly Sweater Platter now ♪♪

Ugly Sweater Board

  • Hands-On Time

    10 minutes
  • Total Time

    30 minutes
  • Serves

    10
  • HORMEL® Pepperoni
  • HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon
  • White Cheddar Cheese Slices, Cheddar Cheese Blocks
  • PLANTERS® Salted Dry Roasted Peanuts
  • PLANTERS® Salted Mixed Nuts
  • PLANTERS® Cheez Balls
  • Spanish Olives, Sliced Black Olives, Cornichons Pickles, Carrot Sticks, Celery Sticks, Sliced Jalapeños, Sliced Peppers

Instructions

Using 1 large serving board and 2 smaller boards for the sweater arms, assemble all ingredients using photo as a guide.

Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce

  • Hands-On Time

    10 minutes
  • Total Time

    20 minutes
  • Serves

    8
  • 2 tablespoons SKIPPY® Creamy Natural Peanut Butter Spread
  • 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons HOUSE OF TSANG® Hoisin Sauce
  • 2 teaspoons HOUSE OF TSANG® Soy Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Garnish: chopped dry-roasted peanuts

Instructions

In small bowl, combine peanut butter and remaining ingredients. Garnish with peanuts, if desired.

BLACK LABEL® Bacon Bloody Mary

  • Hands-On Time

    10 minutes
  • Total Time

    20 minutes
  • Serves

    8
  • 4 cups tomato juice
  • 1/3 cup prepared horseradish
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 2 teaspoons celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces vodka

Instructions

  1. In pitcher, combine tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, hot sauce, celery salt, and pepper.
  2. In tall ice-filled glasses, pour 1½ ounces vodka.
  3. Fill glass with tomato juice mixture. Serve with serving suggestions including HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon Strips.

Ugly Sweater Peanut Butter Cookies

  • Hands-On Time

    10 minutes
  • Total Time

    1 hour
  • Serves

    36 cookies
  • 3/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup SKIPPY® Creamy Peanut Butter
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • White, pink, teal, and blue Icing, as desired

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In large bowl combine butter, peanut butter, sugar and honey stirring until smooth. Add flour and salt mixing to form soft dough.
  3. Sprinkle work surface lightly with flour. Roll dough to 1/3-inch thickness. Using sweater shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool 5 minutes before removing to rack. Cool completely.
  4. Decorate as desired.

Ugly Sweater Crackers

  • Hands-On Time

    10 minutes
  • Total Time

    30 minutes
  • Serves

    8
  • 24 large round crackers
  • 1 (8-ounce) tub cream cheese
  • HORMEL® Pepperoni
  • Sliced cheese
  • Pimento stuffed olives, sliced
  • Thinly sliced red and green pepper

Instructions

  1. Spread each cracker with cream cheese.
  2. Using mini cookie cutters, cut shapes out of pepperoni and sliced cheese. Arrange ingredients in sweater designs, gently pressing the toppings onto spread covered crackers to adhere.
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