Marisa Sung’s Winter Appetizers

All of the following appetizers are for specialty cheeses. I serve these cheeses with homemade bread sticks and an assortment of crackers. Enjoy! 🙂

Marinated Manchego Cheese on Sourdough
Ingredients:
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
3 green onions, chopped
1 shallot, minced
1 tsp. cumin seeds
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
10 ox. Spanish Manchego Cheese
1/2 cup roasted red peppers
12 sourdough baguette slices, 1/2 inch thick

Steps:
Whisk oil, green onions, shallot, and cumin seeds until blended. Season with salt and pepper.
Cut cheese and roasted red peppers into 1/4 inch thick slices. Arrange cheese slices in single layer in a 13 X 9 inch dish. Place 1 pepper strip on each cheese slice. Pour dressing over cheese, cover and refrigerate overnight.
Let stand at room temp. 1 hour before using.
Top bread slices with 1 cheese and pepper stack. Drizzle with dressing from cheese.

Serve with Carletto Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2012!
http://www.wine.com/v6/Carletto-Montepulciano-dAbruzzo-2012/wine/127748/Detail.aspx

Morel Mushroom and Leek Monterey Jack
Morel Mushrooms add an earthy flavor to this leek studded smooth white cheese. Every bite includes a mouthwatering melange of woodsy mushroom and sweet and savory leek. Made in Wisconsin, this cheese is delicious served on a variety of crackers accompanied by Carletto Pino Grigio 2011 Wine!
http://www.wine.com/v6/Carletto-Pinot-Grigio-2013/wine/124401/detail.aspx

Honey Goat Cheese
Handcrafted in Wisconsin from fresh high-quality milk. This mild, tangy cheese enhanced with sweet white organic Indian Honey is sure to please your palate! It makes a perfect appetizer with a melange of crackers or a delightful snack served with fruit and nuts! 🙂
Best served with Carletto Wines!
http://www.candonidezanwines.com/wines/carletto/

Felize Navidad