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1) Fresh Tomato and Ricotta Bruschetta

Prep Time: 20 min

Yields 8

Ingredients:

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced into medium-sized pieces
• 1 1/2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4-1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese (available at HEB or Kroger)
• 3 tbs fresh basil, julienned (cut into strips)
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 8-10 slices crusty bread

Instructions:

1. Combine tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss to combine and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta, basil garlic salt, and fresh pepper flakes.
3. Toast bread slices. Top each with a layer of ricotta cheese followed by tomatoes. Serve at room temperature.

2) Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Bites

Prep Time: 10 min

Yields 8 Servings

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of goat cheese*
• 4 tbs chopped dry-roasted pistachios, unsalted
• 4 tbs chopped dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Cut cheese into 1-ounce slices. 
2. Shape into a ball and roll in cranberries and pistachios.
3. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

*Chef's Tip: Goat cheese can be substituted with cream cheese.

3) Easy Strawberry & Goat Cheese Bites with Balsamic Reduction

Prep Time: 5 min

Yields 10 crackers

Ingredients:

• 10 Triscuit crackers
• 5 oz garlic & herb goat cheese*
• 5 strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup of balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Make a balsamic reduction by heating 1 cup of balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat for 30 minutes (or until liquid is reduced by 1/2.) Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Top crackers with goat cheese, strawberry slice, and a drizzle of your reduction.

*Chef's Tip: Goat cheese can be substituted with cream cheese.

4) Sugared Hazelnuts

Prep time 3 min

Cook Time: 35 min

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups raw hazelnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Add sugar and water to a saucepan over medium heat. Allow sugar to dissolve then add hazelnuts, stirring until completely coated.
3. Pour hazelnuts onto a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. Remove and let cool.

5) 2-Ingredient Wassail

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1/2 cup Red Hots candy

Instructions:

1. Mix apple cider and Red Hots in a large pot. Bring to a simmer and stir until Red Hots have completely dissolved.
2. Serve warm.

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