Appetizers made easy
Keep to these simple dishes to keep your guests happy,
To ring in the New Year, I’ll serve these appetizers because they’re delicious and different, and a good contrast to the platter of cheese and charcuterie that I’ll lay out. I might even make my own crackers if I’m in the mood. The party plates were given away long ago and I don’t need a waiter.
Bacon Rice Krispie treats
I like to sprinkle gold flakes on the bars because, if you’re putting bacon in Rice Krispie Treats, you might as well go all the way and add some gold flakes. ½ lb (250 g) good-quality sliced bacon ½ cup (125 mL) packed brown sugar 3 tbsp (45 mL) unsalted butter 1, 14-oz (400-g) bag of miniature marshmallows ¼ tsp (1 mL) sea salt 6 cups (1.5 L) Rice Krispies cereal Gold flakes, optional
1. Heat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil, then with parchment paper. Lay out the bacon in a single layer and sprinkle evenly with half of the sugar. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
2. Turn the bacon slices over and bake for 7 to 10 minutes longer or until the bacon is crisp.
3. Line a 9-x-13-in. (23-x-33-cm) baking dish with parchment paper, or spray with non-stick spray. In a large pot, melt the butter on medium heat, stirring frequently until it browns and begins to smell nutty. Remove from the heat. Add the marshmallows, and return to low heat. Stir until the marshmallows are melted.
4. Stir in the bacon and salt, then the cereal. Stir until the cereal is well coated with the marshmallow mixture.
5. Press into the baking pan using a buttered spatula to smooth the top. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Cut into 32 bars and sprinkle with the gold flakes if desired. Serve on the same day they are made.