Easy Holiday Appetizers
At this busy time of the year everyone one is looking for their new favourite appetizer that’s quick and delicious. For this year’s holiday parties, we have turned easy-to-find Ontario ingredients into scrumptious apps.
Brie Puff Pastry with Pear Cranberry Chutney comes together by cooking a quick chutney made with Ontario pear and cranberries. You can make the chutney ahead of the party to speed-up prep time. To prepare this impressive and tasty appetizer, wrap a round of creamy Ontario Brie with puff pastry, top with chutney and bake until golden brown. Serve with slices of pear and pastry decorations. Yum!
For a more casual get-together, Cheesy Onion Dip Pinwheels are simple to make and baked in under 15 minutes. Your guests will enjoy the hint of classic onion soup in these bite-sized appetizers. You can make the filling in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days or the pinwheels can be made ahead and frozen.
Looking for a hearty appetizer that is perfect for the cold weather. Serve Beef and Potato Stacks with a simple sour cream and chive dip and watch them disappear! You can prepare the Ontario roast beef yourself or ask the deli counter to slice some for you. The combination of potato and sweet potato rounds adds colour to this satisfying starter.
Spring Roll Phyllo Cups are always in style, try this version made with local pork, carrots, bean sprouts, cabbage and garlic. The phyllo cups can be made ahead. Before serving, fill cups with the pork mixture and drizzle with dipping sauce.
Here’s to a festive and delectable holiday entertaining season!Baked Brie with Pear Cranberry Chutney
A festive cheesy dish for the holiday season, perfect for sharing! Your guests will have fun pulling this appetizer apart and dipping the crispy puff pastry into the gooey, warm Brie. The pear and cranberry chutney pairs perfectly with the Brie.Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Serves 12
Chutney:
1 Ontario Pear, diced
1/2 cup (125 mL) Ontario Cranberries
1/4 cup (50 mL) diced Ontario Onion
2 tsp (10 mL) granulated sugar
1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground ginger
Brie:
1 sheet (225 g) frozen butter puff pastry, thawed and refrigerated
200 g round Ontario Brie
1 Ontario Egg, beaten
Ontario Pears, sliced (about 2)
Chutney: In medium saucepan, combine pear, cranberries, onion, sugar, salt, pepper and ginger. Cook over medium heat, for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. Remove from heat; set aside to cool.
Brie: On lightly floured surface unfold the pastry; place cheese in centre. Cut circle about 2-inches (5 cm) larger than the cheese. Set aside pastry scraps for decoration. Spoon cooled chutney on top of cheese, reserving 1 tbsp (15 mL). Brush egg on pastry seams. Fold pastry up over the cheese and chutney to cover. Press to seal; trim any excess pastry. Place onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet seam side up.
Make decorations or decorate with the pastry scraps; use a cookie cutter if desired. Brush pastry with egg. Bake in 400°F (200°C) oven 25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Top with reserved chutney. Serve with pear slices and pastry decorations.Nutritional Information:
1 Serving
PROTEIN: 5 grams
FAT: 9 grams
CARBOHYDRATE: 12 grams
CALORIES: 151
FIBRE: 1 gram
SODIUM: 265 mg
- Printed with permission from Foodland Ontario
