Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites

Though I don’t entertain as much as I would like to, next week marks THE entertainment week (holiday) of the year. Families gather, thanks are given, food is devoured, and then some lunatics arise from their food comas to hit the stores at ungodly hours for the holidays sales.

Though I am not hosting a holiday meal this season, I know many of my dear readers likely have that pleasure. Using the word pleasure may stem from a biased opinion, but if you’re hosting…I am jealous. If you don’t want to host but got suckered into it, maybe it’s because your kitchen can accommodate the magical makings of Thanksgiving. In which case, I am also very jealous.

Regardless of your role as a host or guest in the quickly approaching Thanksgiving holiday, one thing is probably true — you want to spend time with the ones you love.

While gravy won’t whisk itself to a silky perfection and turkeys don’t baste themselves, this Thanksgiving-perfect appetizer not only features the cranberry (and cheese), but can be prepped ahead of time with nothing to worry about the day of, leaving more time for mingling, football, family drama, and kids helping you memorize all 54 items on their Christmas wish lists.

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Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites adapted from Yummy Mummy

1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup granulated sugar
8 oz Brie, cut into 24 pieces
1 cup arugula or mint leaves
24 crackers (I used the Triscuit Thin Crisps)

Directions:

Microwave the maple syrup for ~30 seconds. Stir in the cranberries. Cool, cover, and let soak for at least an hour, or overnight.

Drain cranberries in a colander. Place sugar in a large bowl or baking dish. Add cranberries and roll around until lightly coated in sugar. Place on a baking sheet until dry, about 1 hour.

Assemble the bites by layer the cheese, garnish, and cranberry on one of each crackers. Yield: 24 appetizer bites.

Nutrition Information (per serving): 57 calories; 3.3 g. fat; 7 mg. cholesterol; 53 mg. sodium; 5.4 g. carbohydrate; 0.3 g. fiber; 1.6 g. protein

Result: Sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy. This one-bite appetizer has all the making of a perfect holiday bite…with the perfect holiday look. Simple to make and easily prepped ahead of time, these are a hostess’ dream! Enjoy!

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Confession: I requested paid-time-off for Sunday. I have had month upon month of 65-hour work weeks and travel…I need this! 😀

xo,