Gouda Cheese Ball Bites and Pastry Bites

Pecan Crusted Cranberry Gouda Cheese Ball Bites

1. beat cheeses, cranberry spread, rosemary with hand mixer (or in stand mixer) until smooth

2. form into 1 inch balls*

3. combine pecans and dried cranberries in shallow dish and gently roll each ball in pecan mixture

4. cover with plastic wrap and allow to chill until ready to serve (minimum 1 hr)

5. Insert a pretzel stick into each ball and add to serving dish

6. serve with crackers or crostini and enjoy!

Tips and Substitutions:

- If freezing for a Thanksgiving event, flash freeze cheese balls spread out on a cookie sheet (before rolling in nuts) for one hour before popping into an airtight freezer container. When ready to serve, defrost cheese balls until soft (approx 2 hours) before rolling in nut mixture and inserting pretzel sticks to serve.

- Feel free to wear gloves if your hands get too messy when forming and rolling balls.

Easy Cranberry Gouda Pastry Bites

1. Preheat oven to 350°

2. Thaw and roll out pastry per package instructions

3. Cut into 12 equal squares

4. Place each square in mini muffin tin cup, ruffling edges at top

5. Place 1 TBSP shredded gouda cheese in each pastry cup

6. Top with 2 tsp cranberry spread

7. Garnish with fresh rosemary *optional

8. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes until pastry is golden brown and cheese is bubbly

9. Enjoy!

Tips and Substitutions:

If freezing for a Thanksgiving event, allow for cool completely before popping pastries into an airtight freezer container.