Quick & Easy T-day Appetizers

It is always a challenge to serve yummy appetizers that do not take as long (or longer) than the actual meal does.  During big holiday meals or parties, the last thing you want to worry about are your munchies.  So, we've come up with some delicious super simple recipes to help you out.  They can even be made ahead of time, so on the day itself you can have more time to relax and enjoy yourself.

Stuffed Mushrooms:
1 package baby bella or button mushrooms
1 - 2 lbs Hot Italian Sausage, chorizo, or whatever you prefer
STM Spicy Mango, Mango, Mandarin Orange or Cherry Balsamic
Sesame or Nigella seeds to garnish
  Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.  You want the caps to be as hollow as possible.  Stuff with the uncooked sausage.  Generously drizzle with balsamic.  Bake at 350 for about 10-15 minutes, until the sausage has cooked through.  (If you make these ahead, keep in the fridge until ready to serve, then briefly reheat in the oven).  Sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds and watch them vanish!

Holiday Caprese Salad
fresh ripe Persimmons
Soft cheese, like a goat cheese or havarti
fresh tarragon
STM traditional balsamic
  Slice the persimmons.  Layer with slices of cheese and the tarragon.  Drizzle with balsamic and allow to rest for a bit before serving.

Spiced Nuts:
1/2 c Sugar
1/2 c Water
1 tb Butter
2 c Pecans, Walnuts, Almonds, etc
1/2 tsp Salt
3 tb STM Garam Masala, Sweet Spice, or Buffalo Rub
  Melt the sugar in the water and butter.  Stir in the nuts and cook until thick and the nuts are well coated.  Add the spices and salt.  Spread onto a lined sheet pan and bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes.  Cool and enjoy.  Goes great with a cheese plate and a balsamic drizzle or two!