Fig Crostini

I made these little suckers for my Wine Tasting Party (see previous post) They were a huge hit! Also, super easy. Here is what you need:

1 jar of Mascarpone Cheese (I got mine at Trader Joes) 

1 tub of dried figs (Trader Joes)

2 Medium Baguettes

3 tbsp Honey

1/4 c crushed walnuts/pecans/almonds - whichever (optional)

A bit of mint (optional)

First you want to cut the french baguette into skinny slices - thicker than a cracker, but you want to consumer to be able to, well....consume. 

Then put the oven on High Broil - but don't go anywhere! I let the dog out for a squirt and my house nearly burnt down. Keep an eye - and remove once the bread slices are nice and golden crisp, like a crouton. 

After that, simply take the mascarpone cheese and spread a thin layer on all the crostinis.

Next (and this could be done while your waiting for the bread to crust up) cut the figs into thin slices (see above) 

Your hands will get awful sticky at this step.

Here comes the fun part - I put about 2-3 fig slices on each crostini, drizzled all with honey (be careful, you want just a hint) and then sprinkle crushed up walnuts and mint leaves - not every single crostini is going to get the mint or walnuts. 

There you have it! 

Delicious! This is my go-to for any special occasion! So yummy and very different from most appetizers you see at parties.

ENJOY!

Any questions or comments - please email me or comment below! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

xo

H

Unique Party Foods

Lately (since I have moved up north) I have been going to lots of gatherings where appitizers are appropraite. I cannot bear another cheese and cracker plate or fruit bowl - therefore I have done some searching and tried the following two winners! Everyone loved them and you can be sure no one else at the party will bring them - Bonus! 

Goat Cheese Grape Balls

You will need:

Grapes - any type

Honey

Goat Cheese - or any soft cheese that you like

Crushed Nuts - I used Walnuts but you can choose any nut

Toothpicks (optional) for serving

First, you need grapes of course! Any type will do. I went with green grapes since I wanted the sour bite. Wash the grapes in a strainer and then pat them dry. 

Next, this is the hardest part, you want to take the goat cheese and break it apart into about half-a-grape size pieces - take the pieces and place on the sides of the grapes. Roll in between your palms until cheese is spread evenly onto grape - you may need to add additional pieces to cover the grape. It's a little messy and time consuming, but I can assume you the end result is worth it! 

 Next step is to carefully roll the goat cheese covered grape in honey. I drizzled honey on to a plate and gently rolled three grapes at a time in the honey. Once they are pretty much covered you can roll the grapes in crushed nuts. *I had to put my walnuts in a ziplock and crush them using the bottom of a glass. Roll it in the nuts until they are evenly covered and then stick the toothpick in them to serve! 

I found the snack tasted best after being refrigerated for 1-2 hours before serving. 

Enjoy! 

Baked Brie Crescent Roll Wrap

You Will Need:

Pillsbury Crescent Roll Dough - Original Flavor is best 

Apricot Fruit Spread

Small-Medium Brie Cheese Wheel

Grapes, Crackers, and Apples for serving

 First I unrolled the crescent roll doubt and used a fork to mold and mush together the dotted lines so the triangles were hardly visible. Then, you take the apricot fruit spread and using a spoon, apply a thin layer to the dough. After that you plop the wheel of brie into the center of the dough.

After centering the Brie - now its time to fold the dough over to wrap the cheese inside - this can be tricky and it may take a few flaps and re-flaps to get it perfect but your goal is to create a solid wrap around the cheese without any showing from the inside. 

Place the wrapped brie on a lightly greased (pam) baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until outside is golden brown and crispy. Serve with a knife, apples, crackers, and grapes (or anything you'd like). Best served right after being taken out of oven. 

Enjoy! 

xo

H