Joy to the World Appetizer Trio (Print Version)

An easy trio of cranberry brie bites, caprese skewers, and spiced meatballs bursting with festive flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

01 - 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
02 - 4 ounces brie cheese, cut into 24 small cubes
03 - 4 tablespoons cranberry sauce
04 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
05 - Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

→ Mini Caprese Skewers

06 - 12 cherry tomatoes
07 - 12 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
08 - 12 fresh basil leaves
09 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Spiced Moroccan Meatballs

12 - 1.1 pounds ground beef or lamb
13 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
14 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
16 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
17 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
18 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
19 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
20 - ½ teaspoon salt
21 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
22 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
23 - ⅓ cup plain yogurt (for dipping)
24 - 1 teaspoon harissa paste (optional, for mixing into yogurt)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Cut puff pastry into 24 squares. Place each square into a mini muffin tin. Add one brie cube and ½ teaspoon cranberry sauce to each. Brush edges with beaten egg.
03 - Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
04 - Thread one cherry tomato, one fresh basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Arrange on a serving platter.
05 - Drizzle skewers with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
06 - Combine ground meat, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
07 - Shape the mixture into 24 small meatballs of even size.
08 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
09 - Mix plain yogurt with harissa paste if desired, for a spicy dipping sauce.
10 - Arrange all appetizers on platters. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Dazzling trio of festive appetizers
  • Blends global flavors
02 -
  • Contains dairy (brie mozzarella yogurt) and gluten (puff pastry)
  • Meatballs contain alliums (onion garlic)
03 -
  • Use fresh herbs for garnish to enhance flavor and presentation
  • Prepare meatballs ahead and refrigerate to save time on serving day
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