I love cranberries in my food in the fall. I even make sauce from scratch which is virtually unheard of in our family. How on earth we went from delicious looking sauce made from real cranberries to a lump of rounded and sliced canned cranberry gel–I’ll never know. But the point is, I think I’m a dying breed of chef that likes to cook with cranberries. So I figured I’d change all that by sharing a delicious appetizer recipe with you. These are really easy, but your guests will be impressed. This recipe has been adapted from the Ocean Spray website. On a side note, if you’re ever not sure to do with an ingredient, check for either the national association of that ingredient–yes, there are national associations for everything–or check for the ingredient’s brand name website. They’re dying to sell you their wears and helping you figure out how to put it in a recipe is one way they do it!
Cranberry Brie Appetizer Bites
3/4 cup whole cranberry sauce (not the molded gel that comes in a can)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
24 (3 1/4 x 3 1/4-inch) wonton wrappers
1 (8-ounce) brie round
Directions:
Place the cranberry sauce in a 1 1/2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice and lemon peel.
Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Spray 24 miniature muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray. Press 1 wonton wrapper gently into each sprayed cup, allowing ends to extend above cups. Spray edges of wonton wrappers with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until bottoms of cups are beginning to brown; remove from oven.
If desired, remove rind from brie. Cut brie into 24 cubes, about 3/4-inch each. Place 1 cube in each cup; place sheet of aluminum foil over each pan to prevent excessive browning. Return to oven. Bake 3 to 5 minutes longer or until brie is soft. Remove from oven; top each with about 1 teaspoon cranberry mixture.
Other Articles Featuring My Favorite Little Red Berry:
Why Blueberries and Cranberries Are Good for You
Cranberries are Cheaper than Ever!
Power Food: Cranberries Are More Than a Holiday Treat