Easy Appetizer for Fall Flavor

Can I say it one more time? I love autumn! I don’t even like to call it fall. I love the changing leaves, the chilly breezes, the smell of crisp apples…

Which is why it seems so amazingly unfair that I have lived in Texas for most of my adult life. Lest this turn into another whine about the four states where I would prefer to hang my Calphalon pots we will move right along to the post for today..

If you make these small they are great appetizers. If you make them a little larger they are a breakfast roll. Either way they are amazing. You can make this simple if you want and buy frozen pizza dough but it is simple to make and much better homemade.

The chewy dough holds creamy, piquant chevre, tangy cranberry, and a bite-ya-back touch of black pepper. It is an unexpected combination that really works. You can use the filling in puff pastry, phyllo nests, and other doughs for a change of pace, or you can make it really easy and serve it on crackers. Everyone needs a quick go-to appetizer recipe and this one may end up being yours.

Chevre, Cranberry, and Black Pepper Appetizer Pizzas

• 1 lb chevre (goat cheese)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Break up into a glass bowl. Mash together gently with a fork. Cover and allow flavors to blend for thirty minutes to an hour.

Pizza Dough: I still like the Daring Bakers Pizza Dough we did last autumn, but if you are looking for more here are several:

• Part wheat pizza crust
• Alton Brown’s Pizza Crust
• Epicurious Pizza Crust

Instructions:

Follow the dough instructions to the shaping. Break off egg sized balls of dough (or a little smaller) and form into small rounds on baking sheet. Allow to rise for 30 minutes. Gently make a well in the centers and add the chevre mixture by tablespoons. Bake at 375 for ten minutes or until done.

This will make about 24, depending on the size.