Some unique appetizers for the holidays
![](https://www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Pg-270_BabyBrieFigPies-copy-312x292.jpg)
![](https://www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Pg-112_Parmesan-Crisps-copy-312x292.jpg)
As the holidays approach, add these appetizers to your entertaining repertoire.
Parmesan Crisps, below, are available in grocery stores, but they are easy to make and can be prepared a week in advance. Homemade ones taste so much better, and leftovers are great on salads, soups, or with slices of pear for a little snack.
In addition, Baby Brie and Fig Pies are an easy, fast appetizer using store-bought, pre-made pie crust. These pies are filled with the delicious combo of melted Brie cheese and fig jam. These cuties disappear very fast!
Baby Brie and Fig Pies
Serves 6
Ingredients:
1 frozen pre-made pie crust, defrosted
8-10 ounces soft Brie cheese (not triple cream, which will be too runny in this recipe)
8 ounces fig jam
1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water
Butter or non-stick spray for preparing the baking pan
Round cookie cutters
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Prepare mini cupcake tins or mini tart tins by spraying non-stick spray or rubbing butter inside. Silicon baking pans work great for non-stick purposes.
- Roll out the pie crust so it is flat, even, and about ¼-inch thick.
- Using a 2 or 2 ½-inch round cookie cutter, cut the bottom part of the baby pies.
- Press the cut pie crust into the baking tins and repeat until you have used about half of the crust.
- Trim Brie by cutting out most of the wax and cut it into 1-inch cubes, inserting them into prepared pie bottoms.
- Spoon a teaspoon-full of fig jam and add to top the Brie pieces. Spread gently to fill the pie cups.
- Using a 1- to 1 ½-inch round cookie cutter, cut out small rounds of pie crust until you have used all the pie crust. You can re-shape and use the scraps as well.
- Place a small round-cut crust on top of the pie and seal the rounds by pressing with a fork all around the diameter. Also, poke holes in the center top of the pie with a fork.
- Beat 1 egg and a tablespoon of water until well combined and brush the egg wash on top of the pies.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes before taking them out of the pans. Serve warm.
Parmesan Crisps
Serves 6
These can be made a week in advance.
Ingredients:
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Optional topping ideas:
1 tablespoon “Everything Bagel” seasoning
Fresh minced herbs such as thyme leaves, rosemary, chives or parsley
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Combine cheese, flour, pepper and any optional toppings.
- Place a generous tablespoon of mixture on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet (make sure you leave at least an inch and a half of space between them as they will spread out in the oven).
- Bake for 8 minutes.
- Let cool and store in airtight container until you’re ready to use.
You can toast them quickly in the oven right before serving for a warm and softer texture.
Excerpted from Entertaining Is My Love Language, a new home entertainment cookbook from party planner Dawna Pitts.
© 2023 by Dawna Pitts