Festive appetizers for keeping your guests happy and wanting some more
PART OF THE HOLIDAY rush is the joy of entertaining, though it’s not easy for everyone. But there are strategies to help throw a party with a minimum of stress.
For many, calling a caterer can seem intimidating but during the weeks before Christmas we spend most of our day helping people entertain their family and friends – lots of people just need a little help. A few appetizers, baking or dinner ideas to supplement what you are comfortable making.
In the kitchen, try not to do brand new recipes you haven’t tried before – now is not the best time to be experimenting. This recipe, however, can be assembled and prepared ahead of time, then baked when the guests start to arrive.
Another way to cut down on the stress is to stay local. Enjoy and share the special stores, services and people in your community. We always avoid the mall, much to our daughter’s
disappointment. There are so many artisans and creative people in our community, creating gifts that are unique and special to our area.
Enjoy the season, as it goes by so quickly. Before we know it, we will be ringing in a new year of adventures and cooking up a New Year’s resolution. Happy holidays!
Melt butter in a cast iron pan. Add apples, red onion, ginger, thyme, and sauté until slightly tender, then add cranberries.
Deglaze with apple cider and reduce until cider is thicker syrup.
Season with pepper. Allow to cool.
Place 2” tart shells on a cookie sheet. Place in oven at 325 F until golden. Pull out of oven and allow to cool.
Add a cube of Brie to the bottom of the tart shell. Fill with the apple cranberry mixture. Don’t add too much moisture.
Bake in oven at 325 F until the cheese is melted and the pastry is cooked through.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Happy cooking!