Thursday, May 17, 2012

Brie with Ginger Crackers


Here's another easy appetizer for company or that you can make for yourself. Of course you can make it the traditional way by baking the brie cheese in the oven, but this version is made in the microwave. Quick and delicious!

Depending on the size of your group, you can make a large or small version of this dish. I made the small version for our get together. Here's the recipe.

Ingredients:
1 wedge of creamy Brie cheese from grocery store
Small jar of your favorite jelly-I used an apple pomegranate jelly
I used Anna's ginger thins-very light and crispy



Directions:
Unwrap cheese wedge and cut off rind
Place cheese on microwave safe serving tray and soften in microwave for 30-45 seconds, depending on your microwave wattage. You don't want the cheese to melt but to be warm and soft.
Spread jelly over top and sides of cheese wedge. Serve with ginger thins and enjoy!


Caprese Bites


Here's a tasty summer appetizer that is both healthy and super easy to make!
If you like Caprese salad, you will love these.

Ingredients:
Basil Leaves-I used fresh ones from my container garden
Grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
Mozzarella cheese-I used balls that I sliced in halves
Balsamic Vinegar 
Olive Oil
Toothpicks
Salt, if desired

To make the appetizers:
Take one tomato and one piece of cheese. Wrap a basil leaf around the bottom of the cheese and tomato-making a cradle. Skewer with a toothpick to secure. Place on serving tray and repeat until you have made the desired number of appetizers. I made 15 for a small gathering of friends. Note: this was not enough-everyone LOVED them! 

Drizzle vinegar and oil over each one. Salt to taste. Enjoy!