Goat Cheese Grape Balls

Although the weather was less than ideal, it was a splendid day. The rain always makes me want to  cuddle up under a cozy blanket with a cup of tea and a good book. That is exactly what I did, except I had the perfect little cuddle partner. My newest little niece. We talked all day. Well I talked, and she dozed off here and there. I may have dozed off too.

I am also leaving tomorrow for the weekend. A weekend full of little cousin birthday fun. So, this will be a quick little blog post.


I saw this recipe on pinterest and here awhile ago. So, they get all the credit. I wanted to give it a try, because I like goat cheese and grapes. I was curious as to whether they'd taste good together. I was a little skeptical. But really, they're pretty amazing as far as taste and texture go. They're little pops of juice in your mouth.

Goat Cheese Grape Balls

handful of grapes (about 15)

1 package of goat cheese

3 tblsp honey

1/2 chopped almonds

Roll any grape of your choice in cold goat cheese. Press the goat cheese around the grape and just roll in your hands to form a ball. Drizzle honey (as much as you like-i enjoy honey so I drizzled on a lot) over cheese and roll in chopped almonds. Refrigerate to set if goat cheese melted a lot in your hands. 

These would make great little appetizers. They worked well as just that during the Pens game last night. Unfortunately, they didn't help the Pens win.

Enjoy your weekends! Make something great and then tell me all about it!

Hungry for Some Disaster Relief......and Sausage Stuffed Egg Rolls

I have absolutely no idea how Ottawa just scored a goal during our power play. Well I know how, but it still is enough to make me throw my hands up in the air in disgust and decide to pay more attention to writing a blog post. Hockey and I have a love hate relationship.

Anyway, a storm passed through the area earlier this afternoon bringing hail and high winds. And apparently there were possible tornados not far from here. It made me think of all of those who lost not only their homes and belongings, but loved ones a couple of days ago in Oklahoma.  It is scary how quickly things can be erased from your life forever.

It is also amazing how quickly people can pull themselves together and rebuild.....their homes, theirs lives and their state of well-being. Nonetheless, "every little bit helps," as stated today by a stranger that was picking through our spring clean up trash at the end of our drive-way. My only response was..."here, let me go see what else I can find for you to trade in."

So, here is a list of ways that you can help those in Moore, Oklahoma because.....every little bit helps.

1.  American Red Cross Disaster Relief 
1. Find ways to donate here, whether through text, mail or even giving frequent flier miles for those in need.
2. OK Strong Disaster Relief Fund
1. Learn how to donate here
3. Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma 
1. Donate here 
4. Salvation Army
1. Donate online here                                           
5. Feed the Children and Oklahoma Blood Institute 
1. Local organizations collecting canned goods, food items, monetary or blood donations to support the victims

                                                    (image taken from regionalfoodbank.org)

Also, remember my previous post with the stuffed mushrooms?? I said there would be a round two recipe using the filling. Well here it is! These would make excellent appetizers too!

   

Sausage Stuffed Egg Rolls

2 small containers of fresh White Button Mushrooms

1/3 pound Hot Pork Sausage

1/2 whole medium onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup red or white wine

8 ounces cream cheese

1  egg yolk

3/4 cups parmesan cheese, grated

salt and pepper, to taste

1 package wonton wrappers

Lay out one wonton or egg roll wrapper. Dip your finger in water and line the outside edges of the wrapper with it.  The water acts as a great little adhesive. Place about 1 tablespoon of the leftover filling from the stuffed mushroom recipe (or make the filling; how to make it can be found here) in one corner of the wrapper. Start to roll the wrapper over the filling while also pulling in the corners. Place on a greased foil covered baking sheet. Bake on 350F for ~ 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly and serve. When finished you end up with these little bundles of yumminess. 

I suggest that tonight you make yourself a little snack (maybe even try these, hint hint) and curl up with a blanket and your loved ones and thank God (or your lucky stars) that you have someone or something to curl up to.....because there are so many people out there who do not.