Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Dec 27, 2023

These bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are perfect for serving as an appetizer or side dish.

Prep Time: 5 mins  •  Cook Time: 25 mins •  Makes: 12 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 12 strips bacon
• 12 brussels sprouts
• maple syrup
• black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F.
2. On a cutting board, lay out strips of bacon.
3. Lightly brush each strip of bacon with maple syrup making sure to coat the entire surface of the meat. Lightly sprinkle with black pepper.
4. Starting from the bottom of a strip of bacon, roll up a single Brussels sprout.
5. Transfer the bacon-wrapped sprouts to a baking sheet, placing seam side down. Lightly brush the tops of each wrapped Brussels sprouts with more maple syrup and sprinkle on additional pepper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is done and thoroughly cooked.
7. Remove from baking tray and place on paper towels to remove excess bacon fat.
8. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.

Smoked Salmon Crostini with Pesto Sauce

Dec 27, 2023

Toasted baguette slices are topped with ricotta, smoked salmon, and pesto sauce.
A simple, but elegant appetizer for the holidays.

Prep Time: 10 mins  •  Cook Time: 12 mins  •  Total Time: 22 mins  •  Makes: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 8 Baguette slices
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cooking Spray
• 7 oz Smoked Salmon
• 8 tablespoons Ricotta Cheese
• 8 teaspoons Italian Basil Pesto
• A handful of sprouts or watercress
• Black Pepper, to taste
• Capers, optional

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spray baguette slices on both sides with extra virgin olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Toast until lightly golden, 10 to 12 minutes (turning halfway through).
4. Remove from the oven and let the slices cool for 5 minutes.
5. Spread ricotta cheese over baguette slices.
6. Spread pesto over ricotta.
7. Top with salmon slices and sprouts.
8. Sprinkle with a pinch of black pepper. Top each baguette with capers, if desired.
9. Serve.

Pimento Cheese Balls

Dec 27, 2023

These delicious bite-size cheese balls are easy and can be made ahead of time.

Prep Time: 30 mins • Chill time: 4 hours or overnight • Cook Time: 10 mins • Makes: 12 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1 4-ounce jar diced pimentos, drained
• 1 to 2 jalapeños, minced (seeds & membranes removed), optional
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 18 ounces bacon, cooked until crisp and finely diced
• 1 ½ cups pecans, toasted and finely chopped
• ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
• Pretzel sticks

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine cheese, mayonnaise, garlic and onion powder, cayenne pepper, pimento, and jalapenos in the bowl of an electric mixer and blend at medium speed until well combined. Season with salt and pepper, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
2. In a medium shallow bowl, combine diced bacon, chopped pecans, and chopped parsley. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, form heaping tablespoons of the pimento cheese mixture into balls.
3. Roll each pimento cheese ball in the mixture of bacon, pecans, and parsley, pressing the coating into the cheese so that it adheres.
4. Refrigerate cheese balls until firm, and keep them chilled until ready to serve. Just before serving, skewer each cheese ball with a pretzel stick.