Teenie Cakes

Baked Brie en Croûte with Apple Compote

I attended a Williams Sonoma technique class a couple of weeks ago on Holiday Hors d'Oeuvres.  One of the demonstrations and sampling was a Baked Brie en Croûte with their own jarred Cranberry Relish.  OMG!  Sooo delicious!   How absolutely easy and and quick.   Perfect pairing with some wine and just what's needed when you're entertaining.   Quick, delicious, nice presentation, goes with wine!    What else could be more perfect when hosting?

Candied Walnuts

Found another recipe for candying nuts.   During the holidays I needed a good, simple recipe and to my shame, could not find a good one at the last minute when a family member did not come through.  Lessons learned... but just like the Candied Pecan post earlier -- so easy!

Candied Walnuts

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup walnut halves

2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the walnuts and cook, stirring, until golden brown and toasted, about 3 minutes.   Add sugar and cook, stirring for 1 minute.  Transfer to waxed paper, separate with fork and cool.

Makes 1/2 cup

TeenieCakes aka Teenie Cakes

Candied Pecans

I finally found a good, and OMG so simple a recipe for candied pecans.    I love to add a sprinkle of candied nuts to our salads and buying them in the store is an abosolute crime.   Having walnuts, pecans and almonds is a staple in my fridge (yes fridge ... they keep longer :)  ).   So here it is.   So quick and easy to do:

Candied Pecans

1 cup pecan halves
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 TBSP olive oil
1TBSP balsamic vinegar

Prepare a large sheet of parchment paper or foil for cooling pecans.

Stir oil, sugar and vinegar in large skillet over medium heat.  Heat until the sugar melts and the syrup starts to bubble, about 3 minutes.   Mix in pecans and stir nuts until toasted and the syrup coats evenly, about 5-6 minutes.   

Turn nuts out on parchment, separating with fork.   Cool completely.   Can be stored for about 1 month.