It was my month to help with snacks for the Alpha Delta Kappa meeting.  I read a bazillion cookbooks and magazines trying to find something a little different to take – something that would also be fun to share with you. (I am just like you.  I rely on favorites.)

In the end, I choose an old standby – A cheese board.  It is hard to go wrong with a fruit and cheese tray because it is both savory and sweet.  On this board (my wooden cutting board), were rosemary crackers, green grapes, pears, Stilton cheese (so good together) and a goat cheese with cranberries (always a favorite).  Also on this tray was something new to me –  Manchego cheese with quince paste on toast.

Remember when Marsha Christmas told me about the chocolate croissants at Trader Joe’s?  Well, I was on my way to Preston Road in Plano to go to Trader Joe’s, and I asked Marsha Christmas what else she bought at Trader Joe’s.  She told me of this easy and delicious appetizer, and I could not wait to try it.  Be still my heart.  I liked it.  I loved it.  And it was a BIG hit with the ADK ladies.

Have you heard of Quince Paste?  I hadn’t.  It is sold with the cheeses at Trader Joe’ s. (And other stores that have extensive cheese selections – such as Central Market.)  Quince paste is a thick jelly like spread, and it goes swimmingly (I have been to England) with cheese and crackers.

Manchego cheese is a cheese from Spain.  It comes plain or with rosemary, and it is now a new favorite.  I used the rosemary Manchego cheese because that is what Marsha Christmas used, and I wanted to be like her.  Either type would work.

Here is the simple recipe Marsha Christmas sent me.

Ingredients:

Manchego cheese

Quince Paste

Crackers or toast rounds

Preparation:

Slice the cheese into thin squares to fit the crackers.

Slice the quince paste into similar thin squares.

Top each cracker with a slice of cheese, and then a slice of the quince paste, and serve.

That is it.  Easy Breezy and so tasty.  Believe me.  This combination is addictive.

Other items on the menu that night included:

Pigs -in-the-blanket are always well received.  Willard Scott once mentioned that pigs-in-the-blanket were his favorite appetizer.  He had even been served them at the White House.

I love little cream puffs filled with chicken salad.

Veggies and dip ares always appreciated.  Yummy!

When I wrote the blog about the Hot Cocoa Bar, Louisa called and said she thought this would be perfect to serve at the ADK meeting.  We served the Easy Crockpot Hot Chocolate and sides. This cocoa is so rich, but I do believe it to be the best hot cocoa I have ever made.

One of the reasons I enjoy being in ADK are the altruistic programs we participate in each month.  This month we made activity books to take to children with cancer at Children’s Hospital.

While the children are receiving treatment, we hope these little books will give them some fun activities to do.  They can even take the books home.

It was a good night.  Good friends, good food, and we did good.

Blessings to you and yours,