Holiday Appetizers Gouda Truffles

It’s cocktail party season! You will undoubtedly be asked to bring an appetizer or two to a party this year. Whether you are gathering with your neighbors, colleagues, or dearests friends, and family, appetizer season is in full swing.

I am thrilled to share 4 of my favorite appetizers from this season’s cooking over the next few weeks, with one thing in common, they are as beautiful as they are scrumptious! Stay tuned for all the goodies, because your people will find them irresistible!

The first recipe up is my Cranberry Pecan Gouda Truffles.

This is not my first foray into the cheese truffle business. I’ve been inspired for years by the beautiful fresh goat cheesecakes of Provence.

Small hockey puck-sized cheesecakes, dusted with all kinds of herb mixtures and pretty peppers. They are out of this world, especially the ones topped with pink peppercorns!

In the past, I’ve reinterpreted the pucks into bite-sized cheese balls, rolled in all kinds of good things.

This year I opted for cream cheese as the base with shredded gouda cheese to create something smooth and nutty. Once the cheese mixture is combined and seasoned well, just roll small balls of cheese and coat them in chopped pecans, cranberries, and for a bit of freshness, parsley.

Serve the Cranberry Pecan Gouda Truffles in a martini glass with French bread or crackers, or arrange them on a board for easy access. Either way, guests will devour these nuggets of goodness.

Cranberry Pecan Gouda Truffles

1 8-ounce package of cream cheese

4 ounces of grated gouda

½ teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon orange zest

Pinch of cayenne pepper

½ cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped

½ cup chopped dried cranberries

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

In a small bowl mix cheeses with seasoning and orange zest.  Using a teaspoon roll small balls of the cheese laying them out on a tray.  Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Mix nuts, cranberries, and parsley in a shallow dish or plate.  Roll each chilled truffle in the nut mixture and arrange on a serving platter.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.

I hope you will enjoy this recipe and stay tuned for more appetizer recipes!

Fancy a Girls Night Out Cooking Class Featuring a Chocolate Grazing Board?

Thursday, February 8th, 6:30-9:00- Ready for a night out with the girls?  Grab a friend or come solo to this night of food and merriment! Join me in the kitchen to concoct crave-able appetizers that reflect the flavors of the season.  Sip festive Cranberry Mojitos as stunning as they are delicious and join the fun in the kitchen or sit back and watch as each dish unfolds.  With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, we will keep chocolate and romance in our minds as we concoct Heart Shaped Raspberry Brie En Croute, sure to wow all that partake. Pear B&B Crostini is a taste sensation, pears are the base for READ MORE and Register

Looking for that ideal gift for yourself or someone you love? Consider the experience of a lifetime and travel with A Taste of Paris to Provence! Only 2 seats remain for travel in 2024!!

Wondering what you will buy for the women in your life this year?

Check out my Holiday Gift Guide 2023 HERE!

XOXO!
Lorie