Monday, December 25, 2006
Food fit for a New Year
New Year’s Eve is more than the last day of the year—it also comes near the end of the holiday season. Whether you are tempted to hold one more party for friends and family or you are a guest wanting to bring something, consider the delicious simplicity of finger foods.
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Six-Cheese Crostini with Apple and Dried Cherry Salad
12 slices (1/2-inch thick) French bread baguette (2 to 3 inches in diameter)
4-1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup (4 ounces) Sargento® Fancy 6 Cheese Italian Shredded Cheese
2 small apples
1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush bread slices with 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil; place on a baking or cookie sheet. Sprinkle cheese evenly over bread. Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, thinly slice the apples. Cut slices into julienne (matchstick size) strips. If cherries are large, cut into strips. Combine apples, cherries, remaining 3 tablespoons oil and lemon juice; toss well. Season to taste with salt and pepper, if desired.
Arrange warm crostini on 4 serving plates; top with salad. Makes 4 servings. Recipe adapted from Sargento Cheese.
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Marinated Roasted Olives
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
6 large cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 6-ounce can Lindsay® Black Ripe Pitted or Whole Olives, drained
4 large strips of orange zest
4 large strips of lemon zest
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using an ovenproof skillet, cook the oil and garlic over moderate heat until the cloves begin to sizzle and become fragrant. Add the red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, and thyme and let sizzle for a few seconds. Add the olives and citrus zest, warming them in the seasoned oil. Transfer to the oven and bake approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the olives are thoroughly heated and soft. Season with salt and lemon juice. Serve warm. Makes 6 servings. Recipe adapted from Lindsay Olives.
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Pantry Pointers
A cheese board is an easy and appealing treat at any party. Set out three or four kinds of cheese with crackers and bread. If desired, add apples, pears, grapes, or nuts.
Cold party trays consisting of cheese, cooked meats and/or raw vegetables can be prepared the day before, covered with plastic wrap, and refrigerated. However, never add crackers or chips to a tray until ready to serve as they will lose their crispness.
The Practical Pantry ©2006 Tammy P. Olson
http://www.practicalpantry.com