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Incorporating seasonal ingredients into your cooking not only enhances the flavor profile of your dishes but also celebrates the bounty of each time of year. Cranberries are a quintessential fall ingredient, often associated with Thanksgiving and winter festivities. Their vibrant color and tart flavor bring a refreshing brightness to rich dishes, making them a perfect choice for appetizers like Cranberry Brie Bliss Bites.

Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups

Cranberry Brie Bliss Bites are the perfect seasonal appetizer that combines sweet and tart flavors with a creamy texture. These delicious bites feature a crispy phyllo pastry filled with a rich Brie cheese and homemade cranberry compote, finished off with a sprinkle of crunchy walnuts. Easy to make and visually stunning, they are an ideal choice for holiday parties or family gatherings. Celebrate fall with this delightful treat that’s sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients
  

1 package of phyllo pastry dough (approximately 1 pound), thawed

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped

8 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small cubes

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing phyllo)

Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready for your delightful bites.

    Make the Cranberry Compote: In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and ground cinnamon. Cook while stirring occasionally, allowing the cranberries to burst and the mixture to thicken for about 8-10 minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the compote to cool.

      Prepare the Phyllo Cups: On a clean, dry surface, carefully unroll the phyllo dough, keeping the remaining sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel to avoid drying out. Take the first sheet, brush it generously with melted butter, then layer another sheet on top and brush that with butter too. Repeat this process until you have stacked 4-5 layers of phyllo.

        Cut and Shape: Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut the layered phyllo into squares measuring approximately 3 inches by 3 inches. Gently press each square into the wells of a mini muffin tin to form a cup shape.

          Assemble the Cups: Into each phyllo cup, place a small cube of Brie cheese. Next, top with a spoonful of the cooled cranberry compote followed by a generous sprinkle of the chopped walnuts.

            Bake: Place the filled muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them and remove them once the phyllo cups are golden brown and crispy.

              Serve & Garnish: After baking, allow the cups to cool slightly before drizzling with honey. If you'd like, garnish them with fresh rosemary sprigs for an elegant touch. Serve warm as a delightful hors d'oeuvre to impress your guests!

                Prep Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 20 cups

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the Cranberry Brie Bliss Bites on a beautiful serving platter, and consider adding some additional rosemary sprigs around for a pop of color and fragrance.