Grape and Blue Cheese Tartlets
I find myself buying a package of grapes almost every week when I’m grocery shopping, because California grapes are available nearly all year long (May-January). I love them not only because they taste good (always perfectly ripe, and you always know what you will get unlike so many other fruits), but also because they are so easy to portion out for a snack.
Take a big bunch if you’re craving more, or a smaller bunch if just a few will do. Love that about grapes! It’s so hard to portion out a banana or a peach.
Grapes of all colors – red, black and green – are a natural source of antioxidants and polyphenols. Anyone who’s a red wine drinker knows about the potential heart benefits of drinking wine, but did you know you can get the same heart health benefits from eating grapes? The cardio-protective compound resveratrol, is found in the skin of all grapes. In addition, a ¾ cup serving contains just 90 calories, no fat or cholesterol, and virtually no sodium. Grapes are also a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin K.
Like most people, I usually eat fresh grapes as a snack. I have to confess I’ve never cooked with grapes before, but I discovered absolutely loved the taste of them sautéed. I love fresh grapes with blue cheese, but cooking them with a little bit of butter and a sprig of thyme takes the grape/blue cheese combo to a whole new level! Intensely sweet, caramelized sugars, with a nice deep flavor – who knew?! I think this recipe is just perfect for a fall cocktail party, and I know I’ll be making it for a Thanksgiving hors d'oeuvres.
Grape and Blue Cheese Tartlets
Ingredients
- ¼ cup walnuts toasted and chopped
- 1 ¼ cup black or red grapes rinsed and dried
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 oz good quality blue cheese crumbled
- 15 Mini Fillo Shells
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place phyllo cups on a baking pan.
- Melt butter in olive oil, and add thyme, brown sugar, and grapes. Make sure grapes are dry, or they will splatter.
- Saute grapes for 7-10 minutes, or until they are softened and start to break down.
- Remove from heat, and let cool slightly. Mash a few of the grapes to release some juice, but leave most whole.
- Place 1 teaspoon grapes with juice in each phyllo cup. Add a few crumbles of blue cheese, and a sprinkle of walnuts to each cup.
- Bake for 5-8 minutes until shells are golden, and cheese starts to melt.
- Remove from oven, and let cool a bit, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Hope you try it! Let me know what you think! Have you ever cooked with grapes?
Eat well!
I see a common theme among ReDuxers as in most of of us (including me) love grapes but have never cooked with them before! Love seeing all these new ways to enjoy grapes and these tartlets look delish 🙂