Tart Cherry Appetizer Recipes

The way to start a great meal.

Brie Torte

This tasty appetizer is easy to transport to potluck parties and makes a wonderful hostess gift.

• 1 (15- to 16-ounce) wheel Brie
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/3 cup chopped Michelle’s Miracle dried tart cherries
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme)
• Assorted crackers

Refrigerate Brie until chilled and firm; or freeze 30 minutes, or until firm. Cut Brie in half horizontally.

Combine butter, cherries, pecans and thyme in a small bowl; mix well. Evenly spread mixture on cut-side of one piece of the Brie. Top with the other piece, cut-side down. Lightly press together. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 to 2 hours. To serve, cut into serving size wedges and bring to room temperature. Serve with crackers.

If wrapped securely in plastic wrap, this appetizer will keep in the refrigerator for at least a week.

Makes about 20 appetizer servings.

Note: This recipe can be prepared with an 8-ounce wedge of Brie cheese.

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup chopped dried cherries
• 3 tablespoons chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme for the filling.

Proceed as directed with 16-ounce wheel of Brie. This version makes 10 appetizer servings.

Cherry Cheese Spread

This is a delicious party appetizer that is easy to tote to events.

• 1 (4-ounce) package blue cheese crumbles (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup finely chopped red onion (about ½ of medium onion)
• ½ cup Michelle’s Miracle dried tart cherries, coarsely chopped
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• Slices of fruit, bread and crackers

In a small bowl with an electric mixer, beat together blue cheese crumbles and cream cheese until well blended. Mix in onion. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Shape the chilled cheese mixture into a log, ball or disk. Combine dried cherries and walnuts. Evenly cover the exposed areas of cheese mixture with cherry-walnut mixture, pressing lightly into the cheese to adhere. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours before serving.

• Cheese mixture can be made up to 48 hours in advance.
• Refrigerate tightly covered with plastic wrap.
• Coat with cherry-walnut mixture no more than 8 hours before serving.
• Serve with slices of fruit (apples or pears are good), French bread slices and/or crackers.
• Make enough spread (about 2 cups) for 25 to 30 appetizer servings.

Note: To reduce the fat content, substitute low-fat cream cheese and cut the amount of nuts in half.

Sensational Stuffed Mushrooms

Hot out of the oven, mushroom caps are an elegant appetizer.

• 30 large mushrooms (about 1 pound)
• ½ pound bulk pork sausage
• 1 cup chopped Michelle’s Miracle dried tart cherries
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

Pull stems from mushrooms and discard (or save for another use). Rinse mushroom caps; drain well. Set aside. Cook sausage in a large skillet, stirring to break up meat, 5 minutes, or until sausage is done. Remove from heat. Add dried cherries, onions and cream cheese; mix well. Fill each mushroom cap with a heaping teaspoonful of sausage mixture. Place filled mushrooms on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 425° oven 6 to 8 minutes. Serve immediately. Makes 30.

You can order Michelle's Miracle products here >>

Or by calling 1-800-939-3199