Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese

Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese Recipe - South African Cuisine

Region / culture: South Africa | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese is a delightful and elegant dish that is perfect for parties, gatherings, or even as a light snack. The combination of sweet grapes and creamy cheese is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic cheese and fruit pairing. Grapes have long been enjoyed with cheese as a popular appetizer or dessert option. The addition of cream cheese adds a rich and creamy element to the dish, making it even more delicious.

Ingredients

large table grapes
softened cream cheese
salt
freshly ground pepper
a pinch of sugar
slivered almonds

How to prepare

To make tempting appetizers of fresh grapes, start by selecting any large table grapes. Remove the stems, wash and dry the grapes, and carefully split each one open to remove the seeds. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with a pinch of sugar, salt, and freshly-ground pepper. Stuff each grape with the cream cheese mixture, allowing some to spill out of the tops.
Next, toast slivered almonds until they turn lightly browned. Sprinkle the almonds with salt. Dip the stuffed grapes into the toasted almonds, ensuring they are coated. Finally, place the grapes on toothpicks and arrange them on a tray for serving.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by using different types of grapes, such as red or black grapes, for a variety of flavors. You can also add herbs like thyme or basil to the cream cheese mixture for a savory twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When selecting grapes for this recipe, choose large table grapes that are firm and ripe. Make sure to remove the stems, wash and dry the grapes thoroughly before splitting them open to remove the seeds. Soften the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing it with the seasonings for easy stuffing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese as a light appetizer before a meal or as a tasty snack. Pair it with a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing combination.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the slivered almonds adds a nutty flavor and crunch to the dish. Make sure to watch them carefully as they can burn quickly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cream cheese on hand, you can use goat cheese or ricotta as a substitute. You can also use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and stuff the grapes ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated until ready to serve, then dip them in the toasted almonds just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese on a decorative platter or serving tray for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Prosecco for a perfect match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Grapes are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants. Cream cheese provides calcium and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and nuts (almonds), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese is a delicious and nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also offers vitamins and minerals from the grapes and cream cheese.

Summary

Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese is a simple yet sophisticated dish that is sure to impress your guests. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Grape Appetizers with Cream Cheese. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary in her cozy kitchen. Mary was known for her delicious and unique recipes, and she had a talent for combining unexpected ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes.

As I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the sweet aroma of fresh fruit and the tangy scent of cream cheese. Mary was standing at the countertop, carefully arranging plump purple grapes on a platter, filling each one with a dollop of creamy cheese. The sight was both beautiful and intriguing, and I couldn't help but ask her what she was making.

Mary smiled and handed me a grape appetizer to try. As I took a bite, the burst of sweet grape combined with the smooth cream cheese was a delightful surprise. I immediately fell in love with the flavor combination and begged Mary to share the recipe with me.

With a twinkle in her eye, Mary agreed to teach me how to make the grape appetizers. She explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. I felt honored to be entrusted with such a cherished family recipe and eagerly listened as Mary guided me through the steps.

First, we carefully washed and dried the grapes, ensuring they were clean and ready to be filled. Then, Mary showed me how to gently slice each grape in half, being careful not to cut all the way through. This step was crucial for creating the perfect vessel for the creamy filling.

Next, we mixed together cream cheese, a hint of vanilla extract, and a touch of honey to create a smooth and slightly sweet filling. Mary explained that the key to a successful grape appetizer was to strike the perfect balance between the tartness of the fruit and the richness of the cheese.

With a steady hand, we spooned a small amount of the cream cheese mixture into each halved grape, filling them to the brim. The creamy white filling contrasted beautifully with the deep purple of the grapes, creating a visually stunning appetizer that was almost too pretty to eat.

As we finished assembling the grape appetizers, Mary handed me a platter to arrange them on. I carefully placed each filled grape in a neat row, admiring the way they looked like little jewels on display. Mary smiled at my enthusiasm and praised my attention to detail, telling me that presentation was just as important as taste.

Finally, the grape appetizers were complete, and Mary and I sat down to enjoy our handiwork. The combination of sweet grapes and creamy cheese was a match made in heaven, and I savored each bite, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn such a special recipe from my dear friend.

Since that day in Mary's kitchen, I have made the grape appetizers countless times, sharing them with friends and family at gatherings and parties. Each time I prepare them, I am reminded of the moment I first learned the recipe and the joy of creating something delicious to share with others.

I am grateful for the knowledge and passion that Mary passed down to me, and I hope to continue the tradition of making these grape appetizers for years to come. They are not just a dish to me, but a connection to the past and a reminder of the joy that can be found in simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity.