Brie and Cherry Pastry Cups

More About This Recipe

• Everything old is new again when you serve these old-school snacks.
  
  Dreamed up by harried hostesses of decades past, each of these recipes features…cheese. Coincidence? We think not. Cheese stands the test of time, whether you’re entertaining in retro style or not. The best part is they require absolutely no measuring, and are quick and easy to prepare. Make these cheese-filled goodies part of your go-to arsenal of party bites.
  
  Brie with Honey and Almonds
  
  Brie is pretty cool. It can be served at room temperature or heated, it pairs well with sweet or savory goodies, and it has a soft buttery flavor that’s hard to resist. To dress up a small wheel of brie, slice the top off and warm it in the oven or microwave. Once you pull it out, drizzle it with honey and top it with toasted almond slivers. Serve with water crackers, and your guests will be begging for seconds.
  
  Brie Kisses
  
  Another great way to serve brie is by slicing off small pieces (with the rind removed) and popping them into mini phyllo-dough cups. Top each cup with a spoonful of apricot or cherry preserves and heat in a 350-degree oven until melted. A great way to combine flavors and textures.
  
  Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly
  
  This combo may be as old as cream cheese itself, but it still causes a stampede at the snack table. Just pour a jar of your favorite pepper jelly over a block of cream cheese, and it’s ready to serve with crackers.
  
  Grissini and Ham
  
  Another great all-in-one appetizer is crispy grissini (crunchy Italian breadsticks) that have been spread with cream cheese, then rolled up in a slice of a ham or prosciutto.
  
  Pickle Roll-ups
  
  Who knows where or in what decade this idea originated, but it’s a lot tastier than it sounds. Simply spread some cream cheese over a slice of boiled ham, and place a dill pickle spear on top near one edge. Then gently roll the ham up over the pickle all the way to the end. Slice the little pickle bundle into bite-size pieces, spearing each with a toothpick.
  
  Warm Tex-Mex Dip
  
  Keep your guests toasty with this gooey cheese dip recipe. Combine a block of cream cheese with a can of chili (with beans or without) and warm in the oven or microwave. Serve with corn chips for dipping.
  
  Cheddar Bites
  
  Whoever invented this must’ve been on a Hawaiian vacation…via Wisconsin. Pop open a can of pineapple chunks, and cut a block of cheddar cheese into small cubes. Slide a piece of pineapple onto a toothpick, and anchor it with a cube of cheese. Here’s to unexpected pleasures!
  
  Here's three cheesy, delicious recipes to try at your next party:
  
  Brie and Cherry Pastry Cups
  
  Cheesy Beef and Pickle Rollups
  
  Mini Cheddar Popovers