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Appetizer Spread with Ham, Cheese or Shrimp
These vintage appetizers, transcribed from cherished handwritten cards, reflect a time when cold spreads and flavorful dips graced every party platter. The Shrimp Spread features cooked shrimp seasoned with lemon, onion, and curry powder—likely a mid-century innovation combining seafood and spices. The Appetizer Special and Cheese Spread blend ingredients like ham, cottage cheese, and horseradish for hearty, savory bites perfect for crackers or toast. Popular in the 1950s–70s, these nostalgic recipes offer a glimpse into communal gatherings of yesteryear.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 165 kcal

Ingredients
  

Shrimp Spread:

  • 2 lbs shrimp (washed, may be canned or fresh)
  • 1 lemon (sliced)
  • 1 stalk celery (chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ lemon (Juice of)
  • 1 onion (grated)
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise

Ham Spread:

  • 1 lb cooked ham (ground)
  • 4 tbsp mustard (prepared)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp horseradish
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Small dash Tabasco sauce

Cheese Spread:

  • 1½ lbs cottage cheese
  • 1 tsp sage
  • 2 tbsp onion (grated )
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp parsley (chopped )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp Spread

  • Cook shrimp with lemon slices, chopped celery, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Drain and cool.
  • Add juice of ½ lemon, grated onion, curry powder, and mayonnaise.
  • Mix thoroughly and chill before serving.

Step 2: Prepare Ham Spread

  • Grind cooked ham.
  • Add mustard, mayonnaise, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of Tabasco.
  • Blend well until smooth and creamy. Chill before serving.

Step 3: Prepare Cheese Spread

  • Combine cottage cheese, sage, grated onion, salt, and chopped parsley.
  • Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.
  • Add diced pickles or relish to the ham spread for extra tang.
  • Use pre-cooked or canned shrimp for convenience.
  • Serve spreads with crackers, celery sticks, or crusty bread.
  • Add paprika or chives on top for color and flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 14gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 150mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cottage cheese, Ham, retro, shrimp, spread
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