Savory Appetizers

Smoky Cheese Garlic Bread Bites
1/4 cup melted butter
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic bread spread mix
1 baguette bread
1/4-1/2 pound thin sliced smoked cheese**
1 can (15 oz.) black olives, chopped or sliced
Grape tomatoes, sliced salami, cooked chicken etc


Combine butter and garlic bread spread mix. Slice baguette into thin slices, brush bread with melted garlic bread spread. Toast under broiler in oven until lightly browned. Top bread rounds with sliced smoked cheese and top with olives and/or tomato halves and thin slices of meats. **Note: Try smoked Gruyere, Gouda, Mozzarella or Cheddar.
Baked Brie w/ Strawberry Glaze
1 round Brie Cheese, with rind intact (13-16 oz.)
3 tablespoons strawberry preserves
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds or hazelnuts
Toasted bread hearts and crackers


Preheat oven to 3500 F. Place Brie on baking sheet or shallow baking dish. Bake 10 minutes or until Brie is soft and warm, but not runny. While Brie is baking, combine preserves with vinegar and heat until bubbly. Arrange sliced strawberries on serving plate; drizzle preserves over top and sprinkle with sliced toasted nuts.
Parmesan Bacon Dates
1 pound whole pitted dates
1/8-1/4 pound block Parmesan cheese
1 pound uncooked, thin sliced bacon**


Slice cheese into julienne sticks 1/16-1/8-inch thick and the length of dates. Stuff dates with cheese sticks. Separate bacon slices and cut into thirds. Wrap 1/3 slice of bacon around each date; place seam side down on broiler safe pan. Broil 3-5 minutes 6-inches from boiler until bacon is cooked through. Remove to serving plate. ** NOTE: For speed, try using the slices of pre-cooked bacon. Cut slices in half to wrap around each date. Place prepared dates on microwave safe tray, lined with a paper towel; microwave 20-30 seconds or broil 1-2 minutes in oven.

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