Caramelized Onion and Smoked Havarti Crustini

Christmas is just around the corner...literally!
Im sure if your hosting any get together's this holiday season, (whether it be the big feast on Christmas Day or hosting the annual cookie exchange) that you've either sat down and neatly written down your menu or frantically asked yourself in the car on the way to work "what the heck am I going to make?"

There is something about cheese that just makes my mouth water...and it's got to be the most popular ingredient for holiday entering.  Just think how many people are going to be putting out a cheese platter!

There are so many kinds of cheese...like really...theres over 1750 different specialty cheeses from over 75 countries. So how do you choose which three or four to feature? For one, the grocery stores can sometimes be limited and some cheeses can look and smell intimidating. This year I've got you covered.  Im taking the Arla Dofino Smoked Havarti and making it the star this Christmas.  Its creamy, buttery, full of depth and richness and not to mention it melts like butter!

Its always nice to have the traditional menu items on your holiday spread but every once in a while its nice to try something different.  The problem is, finding an easy, fool proof, delicious and affordable recipe can be tricky.  So this holiday season, I'm teaming up with Tre Stelle and featuring one of their many incredible products to bring you just that! A simple, fool proof, delicious and even affordable appetizer dish that will leave your guests mouth watering.  Im pretty sure this appetizer might just make it on the repeat menu every holiday season for years to come.

1 Block of Arla Dofino Smoked Havarti
One Baguette
1 large Spanish Onion
2 Tablespoons of Canola Oil
1 Tablespoon Butter
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar
1 cup Watercress


~Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
~Peel and Slice the Onion into 1/8 inch thickness 
~Heat Oil and butter in a pan until melted
~Add the onion and stir to evenly coat in the oil and butter
~Let the onions cook on medium/low heat for 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking (don't rush this process, letting the onions take their time is what makes them turn sweet and caramelize)
~Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch slices and set on a parchment lined baking sheet
~Bake them at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes jut until they are lightly browned. (You just want to remove the moisture from the bread, so they can stay crispy when the topping is placed)
~Let the bread cool for few minutes on the counter while you prepare the rest of the ingredients
~Slice the Havarti into 1/8 inch slices and top each slice of bread
~Your onions are getting there...so you want to deglaze the pan
~Add the balsamic vinegar and the salt and pepper and stir to combine
~Top the cheese with a spoonful of the onion
~Place in the oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted
~Top with a sprig of watercress


This recipe can easily be made ahead of time.  You can prepare the onions the day before and leave them wrapped in the fridge until ready to use.  Your guests will truly enjoy this simple, creamy and flavourful appetizer!


Natalie

Bailey's Chocolate Mousse

The holidays are the busiest time of the year...not only am I working, but I am a wife and a mother of three.  That means a lot of stockings to fill and presents to buy...being Santa isn't easy!
Besides the hustle of shopping theres also the whole "entertaining" part of the holidays that can be overwhelming, expensive and exhausting!
I find that by the time Christmas Day actually comes, I don't feel like eating.  Ive had several Christmas parties that Ive attended, bake sales, school events for the kids and my own holiday baking that Ive over indulged in.
By the end of Christmas Day dinner...I can't find room for dessert! 
But....this yet is going to be different! I have the easiest, most delicious dessert recipe that won't fill you up but will definitely be the 'icing on the cake!"
This dessert will have everyone guessing..."did they make it? or did they buy it?" 
Your guests will love it, you will love it.  Its light, smooth, creamy and chocolaty! What could be better than that?

7 ounces bittersweet chocolate 
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 Cup Whipping Cream
2 Tablespoons of Baileys
1/4 cup brewed espresso (you can use any strong coffee as well)
3 large egg whites
1 pinch salt
3 Tablespoons of Sugar
1/4 cup of shaved chocolate for garnish (white chocolate, dark or milk)


~Melt the chocolate and the butter in a double boiler (or you can melt the butter in the microwave and stir in the chocolate chips until they are melted-the double boiler works better, however this is an option if you don't have access to a metal bowl)
~Whip the whipping cream to stiff peak and stir in the baileys and the coffee, refrigerate it until ready to use
~Whip the egg whites with the salt until foamy and gradually add in the sugar and whip until the egg whites are at a stiff peak
~Fold the whipping cream into the chocolate (do this in 2 additions or the cream will loose too much of the air whipped into it)
~Fold in all the whites, in one addition
~Pour the mixture into the desired serving cups and chill for 4 hrs until set
~You can top it with your chocolate shaving just before your ready to serve



If your having kids for company and don't want to leave them out, you can omit the bailey's.  It won't harm the recipe and it will still taste divine!
Feel free to mix up the toppings...Ive used chopped nuts, crushed Oreo cookie's and fresh raspberries.  They all work and all taste delicious!


Natalie