Friday, April 16, 2010

Drunken Grapes

Here's a "Simple Saturday" recipe that is perfect for a quick party appetizer and can be casual or elegant depending on how you serve it. I'd caution against drinking during prep; You do want to be able to answer the door when your guests arrive, heh heh.

Drunken Grapes w/Goat Cheese
1 bunch seedless grapes (green, red, or globe)
1 Package of Goat Cheese
1/4 cup Pecans (toasted and chopped small)
2 cups (or more) Bourbon
*optional - dash of fresh grated nutmeg
Marinade the grapes in Bourbon for at least 6 hours, but up to 2 days

Roll the goat cheese into several balls about 1 inch in diameter
Roll the goat cheese balls in the toasted, chopped pecans (optional: that have been mixed with a dash of nutmeg)
On a small tray, heat the goat cheese pecan balls at 300F for about 3-5 minutes just til warm
Using garnish toothpicks, skewer one grape and then one warm goat cheese ball at a time, then place on a serving platter.

This simple appetizer is packed with flavor and folks love them. Make plenty.


Cori said...

I've got to try this!

Khali//Bandit and the Scene Stealers said...

I know these are good! and easy! what more so you need for an impromptu party? perfect for summer and maybe even when Hollywood bowl season starts up.

Anonymous said...

can the goat cheese balls be made ahead of time???

showfoodchef said...

Anonymous: The goat cheese balls can def be made ahead of time. I'd cover them with plastic wrap so they don't get crusty and if you can, roll them in nuts just before so the nuts aren't soggy. Thanks for stopping by.

Inspired by eRecipeCards said...

Hey new buddy Cathy... Just served these last night, and they were a BIG hit.

Thanks for the recipe, so enjoying your blog.

Next up, your Cara Cara Orange Tian Tinies

Amanda said...

ok how about this one...hubby will DEFN balk at the "goat cheese" so I'll just go for the boozy grapes. Any other alcohols work well w/these? like vodka, or grape flavored vodkas/puckers? hmm...ever try cap't morgan with them? im staring at my booze/wine rack about wine soaked grapes? too redundant? ;) THANKS FOR THE IDEA! found it on Pinterest!

Linnea said...

I made these for a dinner party this weekend and they were a hit. I soaked too many grapes so served the extras along with the goat cheese balls. A yummy adult treat!

Melissa said...

I am wondering the same thing as Amanda: Will other alcohols work with the goat cheese? Has anyone actually tried it with anything besides bourbon? Or a different cheese/alcohol combo?

Adele Forbes said...

I just know for sure that the family I cook for in the summer months are just going to love these! Thank you so very much for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I tried this today. Had trouble keeping the cheese from sticking to my fingers to make the cheese balls and then I guess I kept it in the oven a few secs too long cuz they were too soft. But they were still really yummy!!!

Anonymous said...

Could you try something besides goat cheese?