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Balsamic roasted Grapes 4

A couple weeks ago I asked you guys what you wanted to see more of on the blog and the overwhelming response was APPETIZERS! I get it appetizers are hard! You want to serve something special and delicious but you do not want to spend all day in the kitchen making individual mini tacos-that for the caterers!  And you are also tired of serving a bowl of salsa and chips. So I have come up with several easy-to-make appetizers for parties or just happy hour get togethers. This one, Balsamic Roasted Grapes on Blue Cheese Crostini is very easy, even though it is individual pieces. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and that is the oven time included. I have to admit that I did not create this amazing little bites-I got the recipe from Southern Living, but I have no idea what issue I pulled it out of. I do that, I tear recipes out of magazines then they sit only desk for years. You should see my desk!!!

Ok, back to the recipe…  not a lot of tips here because it really is very simple.  The only thing I can say is to set out your butter in advance so it comes room temperature but if you forget, like I do many times, just pop it in the microwave for 5 seconds.  It should be soft enough, but if not add another 5 seconds.

The rich sweetness of the grapes along with the tang of the creamy blue cheese make these perfect to serve with a cold glass of champagne (you knew I was going to say that) or a nice Rose.

Enjoy! And please send me your comments or questions!

 

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If you don’t have pecans then just use walnuts or pine nuts.

Balsamic roasted Grapes 4
5 from 1 vote
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Balsamic Roasted Grapes on Blue Cheese Crostini

This recipe will become a go-to in your recipe box. It is easy to throw together and your guests will LOVE it! 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups halved seedless red grapes
  • 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons minced shallot
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 French baguette, cut into 15-20 slices (about 1/2" thick)
  • 3 Tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 oz blue cheese or gorgonzola, softened
  • 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven temperature to 425 degrees.

  2. In a small bowl, combine first 7 ingredients. Arrange grape mixture in a single layer in a baking dish.  Bake for 15-20 minutes or until grapes wilt and a thin syrup forms.  Remove from oven. 

  3. Once you remove grapes from oven turn the oven to broil. 

  4. Stir together softened butter and cheese. Spread onto the bread slices and arrange in a single on a baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese becomes bubbly and the edges of the bread become toasted. 

  5. Spoon grape mixture over toasted bread and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts. 

Recipe Notes

If you want to add an extra layer of flavor you can toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. 

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