Maple Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Prep Time: 30 Minutes Start to Finish: 30 Minutes 14 to 16 appetizers
- 14 to 16 fresh asparagus spears*
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried sage leaves, crushed
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 package (16 oz) bacon
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
1 Set oven control to broil. Line broiler pan and broiler pan rack with foil; cut slits in foil on rack.
2 Snap off tough bottom ends of asparagus. In pie plate, mix brown sugar, sage and pepper. Dip bacon strips into mixture, turning to coat both sides. Wrap bacon slice around each asparagus spear.
3 Place asparagus on broiler pan with tips toward center. Broil with tops 6 inches from heat 13 to 15 minutes or until bacon is crisp, turning and brushing with syrup halfway through baking.
*Use the same amount of spears as slices of bacon. Depending on which brand you purchase, you will have 14 to 16 slices per pound of bacon.
1 Serving: Calories 120; Total Fat 3g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 160mg; Total Carbohydrate 18g (Dietary Fiber 0g); Protein 3g Exchanges: 1 Other Carbohydrate, ½ High-Fat Meat Carbohydrate Choices: 1
Kitchen Secrets If you like, try smoked bacon (such as applewood or mesquite) or, for a little extra heat, peppered bacon.
Gorgonzola- and Hazelnut-Stuffed Mushrooms
Prep Time: 25 Minutes Start to Finish: 45 Minutes 36 appetizers
- 36 medium whole mushrooms
- ⅓ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- ¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts (filberts)
- ¼ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 4 medium green onions, chopped (¼ cup)
- ½ teaspoon salt
1 Heat oven to 350°F. Twist mushroom stems to remove from mushroom caps; reserve caps. Finely chop enough stems to measure about ½ cup; discard remaining stems.
2 In medium bowl, mix chopped mushroom stems and remaining ingredients until well blended. Spoon into mushroom caps, mounding slightly. Place in ungreased 15x10x1-inch pan.
3 Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until hot. Serve warm.
1 Appetizer: Calories 20; Total Fat 1g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 55mg; Total Carbohydrate 1g (Dietary Fiber 0g); Protein 1g Exchanges: Free Carbohydrate Choices: 0
Festive Touch Add whole hazelnuts and oregano or parsley sprigs to the serving platter for a dramatic flair.
Kitchen Secrets Italian Gorgonzola is rich and creamy with a mild, yet slightly pungent flavor and aroma. If you can’t find Gorgonzola, use blue cheese instead. And walnuts or pistachios can be used in place of the hazelnuts.
