Photo by LeeAnn White
Yields 1½ cups
½ cup softened blue cheese*
½ cup spreadable cream cheese
¼ cup chopped candied walnuts (see recipe below)
¼ cup chopped dried cranberries
Small lettuce cups (endive, butter or Bibb leaves)
In a medium bowl, combine cheeses, nuts and cranberries. Separate, wash and dry lettuce cups. Using a small scoop or a piping bag, put desired portions of cheese spread (about ½ to 1 teaspoon) into lettuce cups. If desired, roll lettuce around cheese filling and secure with a decorative toothpick.
* If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute feta or goat cheese for the blue cheese.
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Candied walnuts
½ cup walnut pieces
½ tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons sugar
In a nonstick saute pan over medium heat, place all ingredients and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Transfer nuts to a large piece of parchment or wax paper; separate and let cool.