I adapted this recipe from one on writes4food and changed a few things to make it a dessert rather than an appetizer. The combination of flavors is wonderful. I used these as a light dessert, but I can also see two or three of them on a plate with some fancy sandwiches for a tea. They are neither difficult nor time-consuming to make, but a little messy.
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
GRAPE AND ALMOND BITES
- 5.3 oz. pkg. goat cheese (cold from refrigerator)
- 3 oz. cream cheese (cold from refrigerator)
- 2 tsp. apple juice
- 20 seedless grapes
- ¼ cup plus 2 Tblsp. toasted sliced almonds, finely chopped.
Use goat cheese and cream cheese directly from the refrigerator so it will be easier to handle. In a small bowl, mix together the goat cheese, cream cheese and apple juice. Take out a scoop of the cream mixture that is just slightly bigger than the grape. In the palm of your hand, form the cheese into a ball and then press the grape into the cheese, pressing it into place to cover the grape completely. Roll in chopped almonds.
Place completed grape on a paper plate or waxed-paper-lined plate.
Repeat with the remaining grapes and cheese mixture. Roll each cheese-covered grape in the toasted almonds to coat lightly. Place on plate, cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes to set the cheese.
Yield: 20 Grape and Almond bites (depending on size of grapes)
I used 5 of the bites as a light dessert at lunch – 4 servings