Holiday Party Food, Pt 1

I haven't been very good about blogging...we have been busy doing all of those things I wrote about in my last post. It's certainly been festive here on Duncan Street, for sure. The girls only have a few days of school left before the long holiday break, which means I only have a few days to do the projects that are best done 'kid free.' I've got presents to wrap and hide! And lots of favorite holiday foods to prepare. We will be inviting friends over for several small get togethers, starting this evening. And we are attending two parties tomorrow evening. So I need something to serve and something to take. My Cheddar & Blue Cheese Pinecone is perfect. It's my favorite holiday appetizer, and it couldn't be easier. In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar, 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese, 3 tablespoons dry white wine, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons sour cream, and an 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Use an electric mixer to combine. Turn the mixture out onto a piece of plastic wrap and form into a teardrop shape, like a pine cone. Arrange sliced almonds, inserting some into the cheese mixture so that they stand up and pressing some onto the sides, to complete the pine cone picture. (see photo) Or, just form the mixture into a ball and roll it in chopped nuts and skip the whole pine cone thing......it's ok. Plate with some water crackers and grapes. Serve to your guests, or wrap and take to your hostess. I just made two from this recipe, and they only get better with age. Another easy and delicious cheese appetizer is Baked Brie with Spiced Winter Fruits. Combine a chopped apple, chopped pear, a handful of cranberries, and some orange juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Add cinnamon to taste, and a pinch of salt. Let cool in the saucepan....it will thicken slightly. Slice a small wheel of Brie in half horizontally. Place one slice on a nonstick baking sheet (or spray a baking sheet with oil) and top with half the fruit mixture. Place the second round on top and cover with the remaining fruit. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, and serve with assorted crackers. Both recipes are holiday classics at my house, and both recipes are in my cookbook. I actually dust it off this time of year and use it.