Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites

So we have started a little tradition in our family and that is that we only eat appetizers on New Years Eve. (We also do this during college football season) So needless to say, we have tried a LOT of appetizers. This by far was one of my favorites, and I will definitely make it again and again.

Just as a brief explanation it is a toasted baguette, with a slice of brie slightly melted, topped with an absolutely delicious cranberry chutney, and topped with sparkling cranberries.

I got the recipe from here.

Sugared Cranberries

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup good (like real, not Aunt Jemima) maple syrup
1 cup granulated sugar

Rinse cranberries and place in a medium bowl. Heat syrup in a small sauce pan just until warm. Pour over cranberries when syrup is warm, not hot, or cranberries may pop. Cool, cover, and let soak in the refrigerator overnight. Drain cranberries in a colander. Place sugar in a large bowl or baking dish. Add cranberries in 2 batches and roll around until lightly coated in sugar. Place on a baking sheet until dry, about 1 hour.

16 crackers (We used toasted baguette)
8 oz Brie cheese
cranberry chutney or cranberry relish
fresh mint for garnish

Assemble crackers with one slice of brie, a light layer of cranberry chutney, and 4 or 5 sugared cranberries. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.

Cranberry chutney

1 orange peeled, tough membrane removed (all the white stuff, basically you just want the pulp)
1/4 c. orange juice
1 c. fresh cranberries (you really can use frozen once they are thawed)
3/4 c. sugar
1 med golden delicious apple, peeled, cored, and chopped (I used a crispin because that is what I like)
1/4 c. chopped walnuts (as fine as you like them)
1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a large sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer stirring occationally for 5-8 min. Or until cranberries are bursting. (the last time I made this I could actually hear the cranberries pop, it was fun) Chill until serving time. You can freeze in small containers for later use.

Also tasted really good on chicken, pork and turkey. Yum, let me tell you. Makes your house smell good too.