Fall gatherings usually involve a dish to share, and who doesn't want to bring something different, a dish everyone will rave about? Our pepper jams make appetizers quick and easy, and there's one for every heat-lover's level. Our Blueberry Jalapeno Jam blends blueberries, bell peppers and jalapenos for just a little heat. Blackberry Habanero adds a little more heat to the richness of blackberries, and the Raspberry Habanero goes all the way to hot. But not satisfied there, we added our Peach Habanero Jam with a LOT of habanero heat, for those who like the sizzle. Sometimes, I make an appetizer with two of the jams, adding a label on a toothpick with "Mild" on one side and "Hot" on the other. Whatever level of heat you choose, cream cheese mellows the heat with a creamy deliciousness, so don't fear the heat!
Multigrain crackers always go well with a pepper jam and cream cheese appetizer, but crisp, fall apples add a new dimension of flavor. I used a combination of tart Granny Smiths and sweet Honeycrisp apples, alternating the red and green slices for visual appeal. Drizzle/drop the softened cream cheese (using lowfat cream cheese works well too) and sour cream mixture over the center of the spread, then add bacon crumbles for smoky, savory notes and chopped pecans for nutty accents. No utensils are needed - just select a slice with its dollop of gooey, sweet-hot, bacony flavor. It looks like a complicated dish, but it's so easy, it will feel like cheating! Get the recipe here.
