Friday, November 21, 2008

Sweet and Savory Bites


I've been really busy lately, so this post is going to be short and sweet. These Caramelized Onion-Cranberry-Cream Cheese Bites make wonderful appetizers. The great thing about these is that you can make everything ahead of time, and then just assemble right before serving.

If you really want to caramelize your onions, you'll need to cook them at lower heat for about an hour. In a pinch, the 15-18 minute sauté at medium heat will do, though.

If you enjoy caramelized onions, you'll have to try these this holiday season!



Caramelized Onion-Cranberry-Cream Cheese Bites
from Southern Living

1 tablespoon butter
2 cups thinly sliced sweet onions
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (I used Garlic & Pepper Balsamic Vinegar)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed), coarsely chopped (I used dried cranberries)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind
16 whole grain crackers
1/3-less-fat cream cheese (I used fat free)
Garnish: fresh cilantro or parsley leaves


Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add onions, and sauté 15 to 18 minutes or until golden and tender. Stir in vinegar, cranberries, sugar, salt, and orange rind; cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 4 minutes or until liquid is reduced to about 2 Tbsp.

Spread 16 whole grain crackers each with 1-1/2 tsp. 1/3-less-fat cream cheese; top each with 1 Tbsp. Caramelized Onion-Cranberry Compote. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley leaves.

Yield: 16 servings (serving size: 1 cracker)


21 comments:

  1. What a FABULOUS idea!! I love carmelized onions and dishes with cranberries, but I would have never thought to put them together. Genius! And yummy!

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  2. Short & sweet; and oh-so-satisfying :-)

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  3. Yum these look so good! How can you go wrong with caramelized onions and cream cheese?? What a great little appetizer.

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  4. Oooh this looks like a perfect little appetizer!

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  5. oh yum!!! these sound so tasty!!

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  6. What a great appetizer! This will be perfect for holiday parties!

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  7. wowsa, that is such an intriguing combination, i'll have to try it!!

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  8. These look yummy! It's always nice to see different appetizer ideas. I will definitely keep these in mind for Christmas parties :)

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  9. what nice treats these make great apitisers for Christmas. I like caramelised onion especially in tarts :)

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  10. I'll take an order of these please - this looks great!

    -DTW
    www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com

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  11. Wow, Jaime! These look incredible. Wow...I want one!

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  12. short and sweet, just like me. :)
    this reminds me of a cranberry chutney that i know and love. delightful.

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  13. I would have never thought of this! I think they are going on the menu for out Holiday party. Thanks!

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  14. They look amazing! Like really amazing :)

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  15. This is going into the appetizers for the holiday file cause they look great!

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  16. These look delish! And ridiculously easy too!

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  17. These look so, so good...and perfect for Thanksgiving. Speaking of Thanksgiving, thanks for your visits...I left something for you on my blog.

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  18. what a bite... love it... :)

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  19. What a great appetizer! Very festive.

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  20. Mmmm! These look great!! Last year at Thanksgiving, I made a tart with caramelized onion, cranberries and gorgonzola....to die for!! These really remind me of it - I'm definitely going to have to give these a try! Thanks!

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  21. this is the second time i'm making them! I made them for christmas and am making them for a party tonight! great recipe!

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