(LICKETY-SPLIT) PEA DIP FINGER SANDWICHES / HORS D'OEUVRES

A tastey, creamy & tangy Sweet Pea dip (or sandwich spread) from a bag of frozen peas, and if you're a little wacko like me -a fun and "adventurous twist" on making it; but if you're more practical, you'll use a food processor. If you don't want to drag it out (then have to clean it), you can"mash" everything right in the bag (the "steamable" kind, of course).
As with so many dishes, particularly (vegie/cheese) dips and spreads, this can be a blank canvas and can include your favorite ingredients; herbs & spices, as well as your proportions. I LOVE LOTS of herbs and spices, but my measurements are not "scientific" & can be tweaked to your palate. It's not rocket science, just make it out of this world!

Supplies

1 (12 Oz.) Bag STEAMABLE Frozen Green Peas
4 Oz. Cream Cheese
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese + more for rolling/coating -Reserve (regular shaker / store bought bottle is just fine for this)
Juice of 1 Lime
Tsp -to Tblsp of each, according to taste:
•Salt
•Pepper
•(Dried) Italian Herb Blend + more for rolling/coating -Reserve (*both- ground in spice grinder and dried flakes ideal)
•Onion Powder
•Garlic Powder
•Paprika
•Optional (ground) Red Pepper Flakes / red pepper Sugar Blend
Sliced Bread (up to 12 - 16 slices)
Crackers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wax Paper
Bowls, Utensils
*a Binder Clip*
*Rolling pin or heavy spoon / meat tenderizer
Optional: Food Processor

Step 1: PREPARE THE INGREDIENTS

1. Heat the peas in the microwave per instructions / per your microwave's power - about 4 to 6 minutes; you want them very hot and soft (make sure there are no cold spots)
*OR Cook in a Pot on the Stove*
(WHILE THE PEAS ARE HEATING)
2. Measure (or spoon out) your Spices, Herbs and Parmesan Cheese onto a piece of wax paper -as pictured
3. Cut your Cream Cheese into cubes / pieces
4. Ready your Bread;
Optional: Trim the crusts off your Bread (*Be sure to save the crusts for bread crumbs!)
5. Ready a selection of Crackers (Optional)

Step 2: ADD INGREDIENTS TO THE VEGIE BAG ( OR FOOD PROCESSOR)

1. Retrieve the HOT, FULLY COOKED Peas from the microwave (*Or Stove Top*)
2. Snip the corner of the bag -as pictured
3. Add in your cubed / pieces of Cream Cheese (right into the bag)
4. Pick up your wax paper of herbs and spices carefully, 'Fold', to slide the contents off, into the bag opening
**or**>>
•Pour your cooked peas and all herbs, spices; ingredients into your food processor
•Blend (or pulse) on high until creamy smooth >>**THEN JUMP TO STEP 4**>>

Step 3: MAKE {MASH} THE SPREAD / DIP

•*In Lieu of the Food Processor:
1. Press the air out of the bag
2. Fold the bag opening over and Clip it closed wirh a tight binder clip
3. Mash Up the Peas Mixture right in the bag
*it will be Hot! You can use Oven Mits, by hand or
*Use a Rolling Pin ( "steam-roll"😁😋?) - I used the flat end of a heavy meat mallot
4. Blend OR MASH until creamy smooth

Step 4: EXTRUDE AND SPREAD

1. Squeeze OR Scrape out of the bag *{Or Food Processor}* into a bowl
2. At this point adjust the taste and texture per your preference(s)
3. Align some Bread slices (and crackers)
4. Spread the mixture on top of your Bread, top with additional bread- making sandwiches
5. Cut the sandwiches into wedges / fingers
6. Spoon some dip onto crackers, if desired
~*Plate them up & snazz'em up, see next step>

Step 5: OPTIONAL FINAL TOUCHES

1. Sprinkle your Additional / Reserved: -
•(Dried) Italian Herb Blend
•Parm. Cheese
- Onto a piece of wax paper / cutting board / surface
2.Roll your Wedges / Finger Sandwiches in those toppings for garnish
3. Dust your loaded crackers with Paprika
*makes about 4 cups
*8 - 10 sandwiches (ready to cut into wedges) + about 12 crackers
*Great for party snacks & Hors d'oeuvres