Joy to the World Trio (Printable Version)

A festive mix of cranberry brie bites, caprese skewers, and Moroccan spiced meatballs.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

01 - 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
02 - 4 oz brie cheese, cut into 24 small cubes
03 - 4 tbsp cranberry sauce
04 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
05 - Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

→ Mini Caprese Skewers

06 - 12 cherry tomatoes
07 - 12 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
08 - 12 fresh basil leaves
09 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tsp balsamic glaze
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper

→ Spiced Moroccan Meatballs

12 - 1.1 lb ground beef or lamb
13 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
14 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
16 - 1 tsp ground cumin
17 - 1 tsp ground coriander
18 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
19 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
20 - ½ tsp salt
21 - ¼ tsp black pepper
22 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
23 - ⅓ cup plain yogurt (for dipping)
24 - 1 tsp harissa paste (optional, for mixing into yogurt)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Cut the puff pastry into 24 squares; place each into a mini muffin tin. Add a cube of brie and ½ teaspoon cranberry sauce to each square, brush edges with beaten egg. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until golden. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
03 - Thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Combine ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Shape into 24 small meatballs.
05 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.
06 - Mix plain yogurt with harissa paste if using, for dipping the meatballs.
07 - Arrange all appetizers on festive serving platters and serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Dazzling trio of festive appetizers
  • Blends global flavors to brighten any holiday gathering
02 -
  • For a vegetarian trio substitute mushrooms or falafel balls for meatballs
  • Contains dairy (brie mozzarella yogurt) and gluten (puff pastry)
03 -
  • Substitute mushrooms or falafel for vegetarian option
  • Use fresh herbs to brighten flavor and presentation
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