Thanksgiving Appetizers - Gruyere-Walnut Crisps

With Thanksgiving just around the corner as the official start to the holiday entertaining season, now is the time to dust off those cookbooks and get creative with some new ideas for Thanksgiving appetizers.

But with all the time and effort that goes into serving a big Thanksgiving dinner, who has time for appetizers? That is where make ahead appetizers can save the day, not to mention a whole lot of time!!

These delicious but easy to make appetizers using only 5 ingredients certainly do the trick. The dough for the Gruyere-Walnut Crisps can be made up to 2 days ahead and baked early on party day.

Gruyere-Walnut Crisps

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
12 ounces finely grated Gruyere cheese
1 tsp salt
2 cups plus 2 tblsp all purpose flour
1 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Using electric mixer, beat butter in medium bowl until smooth. Beat in cheese and salt. Add flour and walnuts; beat just until dough comes together, adding water by teaspoonfuls if dry. Divide in half. Roll each half into 14-inch log. Wrap in plastic and chill until firm, at least 4 hours. At this point, dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Preheat oven to 375F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut logs crosswise into 1/4 inch thick slices. Arrange on prepared sheets, spacing 1/2 inch apart.

Bake crisps until deep golden brown, about 20 minutes. Transfer to racks and cool completely.

Variation: For attractive presentation, before slicing the dough, brush the logs with lightly beaten egg white then roll in poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or caraway seeds. Slice; bake as directed.

Recipe courtesy Bon Appetit magazine.

For more great appetizer ideas visit www.appetizersunlimited.com.
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