Pear, Blue Cheese and Walnut Tartlets

15 servings

Mini phyllo shells, ready-made and smartly ornamental, are the secret to this fun appetizer. Simply fill them with this delectable filling. Serve with a dry Riesling wine.Ingredients:

4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

1 ripe pear — peeled, cored and chopped

One-quarter cup toasted walnuts — ground

2 tablespoons light cream

Ground black pepper to taste

1 (2.1 ounce) package mini phyllo tart shells

Directions:

Prebake phyllo shells according to package directions. Set aside to cool.

Mix together blue cheese, pear and cream.

Season to taste with pepper.

Spoon mixture into cooled shells.

Sprinkle a few walnuts on each appetizer.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Holiday Cherry Scones

12 servings

This is a perfect scone recipe and with the addition of the red and green colored cherries, it is perfect for the holiday season! Enjoy a warm scone with a cup of hot cocoa or nice cup of tea.

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cups white sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4teaspoon cream of tartar

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter

1 cup sour cream

1 egg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup dried sweet cherries

1/4cup each of red and green glace cherries cut into quarters (found with fruitcake ingredients in produce section of market)

Directions:

In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and baking soda, and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cut in the butter. Stir the sour cream, egg, vanilla and almond extract together and then stir into the flour mixture until just moistened. Mix in the dried cherries and red and green glace cherries.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead briefly. Roll or pat dough into a 3/4 inch thick round. Cut into 12 wedges, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush tops of scones with milk and sprinkle a few slivered almonds on top as well.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown on the bottom.

Holiday Sugar ‘N Spice Nuts

It seems like everyone’s aunt has a special sugared nut recipe for the holidays. Here is one for you to call your own and add to your holiday recipe collection.

Ingredients:

3 egg whites

2 tablespoons water

3 cups walnut halves

2 cups pecan halves

1 cup whole unblanched almonds

2 cups sugar

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground ginger

2 teaspoons grated orange peel

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and water until frothy. Add nuts; stir gently to coat.

Combine the remaining ingredients. Add to nut mixture and stir gently to coat.

Spread into two greased 15-inch x 10-inch x 1-inch baking pans. Bake, uncovered, at 300 degrees F. for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring every 10 minutes.