Prosciutto & Blue Cheese Crostini

This is a quick appetizer that is ideal for the holiday season. It is an adaptation of a Spanish recipe which uses Serrano Ham and not Prosciutto, however, the two can be substituted with equally good results. Prosciutto is generally easier to find in supermarkets and specialty food stores, so I have used that. Also, the blue cheese used in the original recipe is Spanish Cabrales, however, any robust blue cheese can be used such as Gorgonzola, or Roquefort.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) blue cheese, such as Cabrales, Gorgonzola, or Roquefort, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) cream cheese at room temperature
• 1/4 cup hard apple cider, plus more as needed
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 sweet baguette
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 15 thin slices (about 6 ounces) Prosciutto
• Sprig of rosemary for garnish
  

Method

1. Preheat the broiler.
2. In a small bowl, combine the blue cheese, cream cheese, 1/4 cup apple cider, and lemon juice.
3. Using a fork, mix and mash until a spreadable paste forms, adding more cider if necessary.
4. Cut the bread into 1/4-inch thick diagonal slices and arrange on a baking sheet.
5. Place under the broiler and toast until golden.
6. Lightly brush the toast on one side with olive oil.
7. Spread the cheese mixture on the olive oil-side of the toasts.
8. Cut each slice of ham in half lengthwise.
9. Roll the slices into spirals and place 1 on each of the toasts.
10. Garnish with tiny piece of rosemary.

This, and other great holiday recipe ideas, can be found the in the book Everyday Celebrations by Donata Maggipinto.

Frangelico Cream Martini

More and more people are dining and entertaining at home, and this cocktail makes a great alternative to a traditional Irish coffee drink that you would serve after dinner, and is ideal for the holiday season.

Essentially, it is a mix of Frangelico liqueur and Kahlua, topped with double cream, then served in a martini glass for a touch of elegance. If you have not tried Frangelico before, it is an Italian hazelnut liqueur which pairs really well with coffee, or coffee flavors.

This drink is one of the signature cocktails that can be found at the Cosmos Bar/Restaurant located on the ground floor of the Deste Foundation Centre for Contemporary Art in Athens, and is featured in the book Signature Cocktails by Bill Tikos.

Ingredients:

• 1 fl ounce Frangelico Liqueur
• 1/2 fl ounce Kahlua
• 1 fl ounce Double Cream
  

Method:

1. Mix the Frangelico and Kahlua in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice and shake well.
2. Pour into a martini glass.
3. Top with double cream.
   

Fondue Sale at Gourmet Fusion Store

If you are looking for some retro fun this holiday season, a fondue party is a great way to get together with friends, and family.

The Gourmet Fusion store offers several types of fondue pots, that come complete with fondue forks and accessories in their own boxed set, and all are on sale with 20% off right now.

For the serious fondue enthusiast we have the Chantal Meat and Cheese Fondue set which consists of two pots - one ceramic, and one stainless steel. The steel pot is ideal for cooking meats and vegetables, while the ceramic pot is great for cheese or chocolate. On sale for $63.99.

If you love chocolate, or know someone who does, then our Typhoon Chocoholics and Chocolate Lovers fondue sets are a great idea - just the right size for dipping - and on sale for $15.99.

Or, if you are looking for a stylish vintage looking addition to your kitchen, the Typhoon Vintage Cream Chocolate fondue set is also great value on sale at $15.99.

Holiday Shopping Event at Leaping Lotus

The holiday season is now upon is, and what better way to celebrate the season than a late night shopping event at the Leaping Lotus in the Cedros Design District, Solana Beach?

This unique holiday shopping event is taking place on Thursday, December 4th between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Everyone knows that the Leaping Lotus is THE place to find those special, hard to find gifts, so why not spend the evening with Leaping Lotus and the Gourmet Fusion store, and have some fun while you shop?


Gourmet Fusion has many sale items, including teapots, travel tumblers, salt and pepper mills, and Cattitude. Check out our whimsical holiday decorations, snowmen pie vents, and festive table linens.

If you are in a hurry, we also have many items ready to give with their own holiday gift tags and ribbon - all you need to do is write the names on the tag. These gifts include, boxed wine stoppers, English tea in an elegant elephant tea caddy, Cattitude mug and coaster sets, and retro fondue sets.

This holiday shopping event will include live music by "Dano's Island Sounds", with their exotic sounds of the Caribbean, raffle drawings all evening, a special Holiday Fashion show, together with wine and refreshments, and holiday sales throughout the store.

If you have not visited Leaping Lotus before, now is a great time to do so. Many other merchants on Cedros are also taking part in this late night holiday event.

Leaping Lotus is located in the heart of the Cedros Design District, in Solana Beach, California. 21,000 square feet, with over 100 merchants and literally millions of unique items and gifts to choose from. Come see us at 240 South Cedros Ave - Solana Beach,CA 92075 858.720.8283.