Easy Holiday Appetizers
5 Appetizers | Each 5 Ingredients or Less
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
INGREDIENTS
1½ lbs (700 g) asparagus (about 18 stalks), washed, patted dry and trimmed 3 oz (90 g) sliced prosciutto (about 8 slices) Black pepper, to taste Prepared balsamic glaze (optional) Fresh Parmesan cheese (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) Cut prosciutto slices in half lengthwise. Wrap each asparagus with one piece of prosciutto in an upward spiral, starting about 1” (2.5 cm) above the bottom. (Prosciutto will not completely cover asparagus stalk).
Place on Stone Serving Tray. Sprinkle with black pepper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until prosciutto has lightly browned. If desired, garnish with balsamic glaze and Parmesan cheese shaved with Vegetable Peeler.
Tips:
Substitute the prosciutto with thinly sliced ham or pancetta.
When you trim the asparagus, save the woody ends for a stock.
You can assemble these ahead of time and bake when you're ready. This versatile dish is great as an appetizer but can also be served as a side dish.
The temperature and cook time can be flexible. If you plan to bake this alongside another recipe, you can adjust the temperature down to as low as 400°F (200°C); just cook it for longer (16 18 minutes instead of 10 12) and watch it carefully.
Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 5 min | Total Time: 20 min
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Cook's
1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
1 4" (10 cm) round (8 oz./250 g) Brie cheese with rind, room temperature
1 loaf (16 oz./450) French baguette Olive or vegetable oil
Chopper. Combine the chopped almonds, sugar, and mustard in a small bowl.
Cut the Brie in half horizontally. Place half of the Brie, cut side up, in the center of the Large Round Stone. Spread half of the sugar mixture evenly over the bottom half of the Brie. Top with the other half of the Brie, cut-side up. Spread the remaining sugar mixture over the Brie and sprinkle with the remaining almonds.
Cut the baguette on a bias into ¼" (6 mm) slices. Arrange the slices around the Brie and brush them with oil. Bake for 8 10 minutes, or until the baguette slices are golden brown and the Brie begins to soften. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
The balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and creamy elevates this easy dish.
The rind of the Brie is safe to eat and helps protect and encase the cheese. It also adds a subtle, earthy flavor. With a soft and tender texture, it complements the creamy cheese inside.
Substitute the almonds for pecans or walnuts (or any nut you have or like!).If you buy raw nuts, toast them first to intensify the flavors and bring out the oils.
Cutting the baguette on a bias not only makes for a better presentation, there's also more surface area on the bread, so it means better browning and more room to spread on the delicious Brie!
3. 4. 5. 6. Cook's
3-Minute Dip
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
Rub and Topping Combinations
1 2 tbsp (15 30 mL) Bell Pepper Herb Rub + ½ red bell pepper, diced
1 2 tbsp (15 30 mL) Greek Rub + ¼ cucumber, chopped
1 2 tbsp (15 30 mL) Sweet Basil Rub + ½ cup grape tomatoes, chopped
1-2 tbsp (15-30 mL) Tex-Mex Rub + 1 plum tomato, seeded and diced
1 2 tbsp (15 30 mL) Three Onion Rub + 3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1 2 tbsp (15 30 mL) Herb & Onion
Slow Cooker Seasoning + ¼ red onion, chopped
Dip Base
4 oz (125 g) mozzarella cheese, grated (1 cup/250 mL)
1 pkg (8 oz /250 g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp (30 mL) milk (see Cook's Tip) Optional: Assorted vegetables or crackers
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Choose a rub and topping combination
Combine the rub, mozzarella, cream cheese, and milk in a small microwave safe bowl. Microwave, covered, for 2 3 minutes, or until melted, stirring halfway through cooking. Be careful not to overheat.
Remove the bowl from the microwave; stir. Sprinkle with the topping and serve with fresh vegetables or crackers.
Serves 16 | Prep Time: 5 min | Total Time: 8 min
Raspberry Habanero Cream Cheese
Serves 12 | Total Time: 1 min
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
8 oz (250 g) cream cheese
¼ cup (50 mL) Raspberry
Habanero Sauce
Dippers of your choice
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Place the block of cream cheese in a shallow dish or on a charcuterie board.
Pour the Raspberry Habanero Sauce on top. Serve with crackers or other dippers of your choice.
Cook's Tips:
Get creative with your dippers! Try toasted baguette slices, crackers, breadsticks, pretzels, or even vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies
You can sub in goat cheese or Brie for the cream cheese. If you use Brie, bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 13 15 minutes before topping with the sauce.
Elevate this appetizer even more by topping with crushed pistachios for added texture and color.
Italian Herb Bread With Garlic-Parmesan Oil
Serves
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
1 pkg Italian Herb Bread Mix
1 cup (250 mL) warm water (105 115°F/40 46°C)
Garlic-Parmesan Olive Oil for serving
Cook's Tips:
Grate fresh Parmesan cheese into the oil.
Combine the Italian Herb Bread Mix and water Cover and let rise for 2 hours
Knead dough on a floured surface for 30 seconds; place on a Rectangle Stone dusted with flour or cornmeal. Cover and let rest for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Make a few shallow cuts on top of the dough. Bake on the middle rack until golden brown, 15 20 minutes. Cut into slices and serve with a side of GarlicParmesan Olive Oil for dipping.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes or black pepper on the oil to punch up the flavor.
9 | Prep Time: 35 min | Total Time: 50 min, plus 3 hours resting time
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