Apples on Horseback
The big game is this weekend and now that we know which teams are going to be facing off, it’s time to start planning the party! You’ve got the times and the TV’s all set. You know which cocktails you’re serving and you even have chili on the stove and the grill ready to go. But chili, burgers and hot dogs are all the main event. What are you serving for snacks? What are your appetizers? You know, those tidbits you and your guests can pick up with your fingers.
Sure, you could serve chips and dip, those are classics after all. There’s always Swedish Meatballs, a charcuterie plate or crudite platter. But those are all so standard. That’s not to say they’re not great options, I love them. I love them all. But sometimes I want something a little more interesting. Something outside the box. These apples are just that kind of appetizer.
There are a couple reasons these apples are a great choice. First they’re a simple finger food. but secondly they’re a nice healthy alternative to all the chips and candy that will be available the day of the big game. Yes, I said healthy. See, they’re only made up of three ingredients: apples, cheese and prosciutto. Three ingredients that are wonderful on their own, but amazing when put all together. While apples, cheese and prosciutto are all great on a charcuterie board, it’s rare that you put them all together, even more rare to cook them.
Yes, these apples are cooked. I roasted them, but you could grill them as well. While grilling will give them a delightful smoky flavor (and fit with the theme of the day), they require a close eye. But if you put them on a sheet pan and set the timer for 5 – 10 minutes, you get a lovely appetizer that’s full of winter flavors. An appetizer that’s not only worthy of the Big Game, but any party from fall through spring. The best thing about this appetizer though, is that depending on how many apples you want to slice, they can serve four people or 50. Yes, these delectable little tid bits are a great way to start a simple family dinner, but can also be the perfect bite at a party. And the best news is, they’re so good, they’ll disappear… And leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- 2 apples, cored and sliced
- 4 ounces Manchego cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick and cut into 1/2-inch sticks
- 16 slices of prosciutto, sliced in half lengthwise
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange pancetta slices on a work surface. Place an apple wedge and a cheese stick in the center of each slice. Wrap the pancetta around the apple and cheese and place on the prepared sheet with the seam side down.
- Roast the apples until the pancetta is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted, 5 - 6 minutes. Serve immediately.
