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Cool cream cheese is whipped with a homemade Gremolata then topped over a variety of TRISCUIT crackers for an easy, effortless hors d’oeuvre.
I wrote recently about ‘simplicity,’ and how it can be a virtue unto itself – and that the culinary industry is no exception. For example, I recently interviewed Michael Symon, and that’s one of his key messages, and the theme behind his recent book Five in Five which we featured here on Living the Gourmet.
Strangely, keeping things ‘merely simple’ can be a challenge, making it no wonder that Plato remarked that brevity and simplicity is within the realm of excellence. Indeed, a large chunk of the food industry is devoted to teaching people how to do ‘simple things’ in short amounts of time, and usually on a budget. These are often little things like impressing one’s guests as effortlessly as possible, or putting together a quick but delicious meal on a weeknight, or even just time-savers for the summer months.
For example, let’s say it’s a summer afternoon, you’re expecting company and you’ve been planning to sit them out on your deck. However, as fate would have it, the weather does not comply. Instead of ‘mere rain,’ which the roof of your porch can turn into a graceful spell out in the elements, the day is struck with something that not even your porch can abide – blistering sun and smothering humidity. Here in New York that combination is especially unenjoyable, and on such days it’s best to simply surrender and move the company indoors. Of course, that makes the entertaining part of that equation a bit less ‘effortless.’
That is precisely the predicament in which I found myself the other day. Needless to say, I needed to make some last minute adjustments to what I would be serving, which is where today’s recipe comes in.
To start, I would need an easy appetizer that I could prepare on the spot without the use of the grill, and with what I had available on hand. Fortunately, I had some TRISCUIT Original Crackers on hand as well as the new TRISCUIT Mediterranean Olive Crackers from the Artisanal variety, both of which I had picked up at Walmart a few days earlier. I decided they would pair nicely with a Fresh Cream Cheese Gremolata. Simple, delicious, and sure to impress.
Since I was going to make a Gremolata for the original appetizer I had been planning to prepare anyway, I had all of the ingredients on hand, which included fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian parsley – all the standards. I then combined those with a cup of cream cheese as shown below, mixed in salt, pepper, nutmeg and milk as needed, and I was done.
After that, I topped each cracker as shown below, garnished with parsley, and I had a perfect summer appetizer that would pair perfectly with my bay window and the rain.
Fresh Cream Cheese Gremolata Hors D’oeuvres
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbs. fresh lemon juice
- Handful of fresh Italian parsley
- 1 inch piece of parmesan cheese
- Dash freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 1/2 tbs. milk
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- TRISCUIT Original Crackers
- TRISCUIT Mediterranean Olive Crackers
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients for the Gremalata in a food processor and process until a creamy consistency is achieved. Note: add the 1 1/2 tbs. of milk to the processor as needed to achieve the creaminess desired.
- Place the Cream Cheese Gremalata in a piping bag and pipe over your desired flavor of TRISCUIT crackers.
- Sprinkle with parsley for added garnish.
What are some of your favorite summer appetizers? We would love to hear from you.
Don’t forget to find TRUSCUIT on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Also, for more recipe inspiration, check out other delicious ideas here.
Pick up your favorite TRISCUIT crackers today at Walmart and choose from TRISCUIT Reduced Fat Crackers, TRISCUIT Hint of Salt Crackers, and TRISCUIT Cracked Pepper & Olive Crackers. While you are there, be sure to check out the new flavors from the Artisanal line which include TRISCUIT Smoked Gouda Crackers and TRISCUIT Sriracha Crackers.
Enjoy with Love!
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Patti says
This is a great idea. You’re right about heat and humidity. Ugh! It was 109 here yesterday and very humid. UGH! I have never made a gremolata, but I will definitely give this one a try.
Pam says
Perfect little appetizer, Catherine! They look very appetizing! And the crackers are delicious! I have a box of the olive and a box of the cracked pepper also in the cabinet, love them both. Now I know what to top them with. Thanks for the recipe!
Ginger Wroot says
Well, thank you for introducing me to gremolata, which I did not know about! I love simple, elegant, and easy, and this recipe seems to fit all of those categories. Your photos are fab, as is your style of writing, and I look forward to returning soon to see what other lish creations you’re serving up! –G
http://gingerwroot.com
Ξανθή says
This is a great idea!!
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
Dear Catherine – you are in New York? Wherabouts in NY? I don’t mean to be rude, but I will be in The Big Apple this summer and would love to bump into ya if possible.
By the way, your Gremolata is gorgeous – love the color and the combo of it with Triscuits! A beautiful and easy appetizer – a definite treat for guests!
Happy Wednesday XX
Living the Gourmet says
Dear Shashi, I’ve been a life long New Yorker! I live out on Long Island. It would be great fun to meet with you if we can and thank you so much for stopping by! So glad you like my Gremolata toppers. Have a wonderful day my friend! xo, Catherine
Big Daddy Dave says
Catherine, These fresh cream cheese gremolata hors d’oeuvres would be terrific at one of our wine tasting/themed dining parites! Cream cheese, garlic and Triscuits…3 popular items around this house! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
Such a beautiful summery appetizer Catherine! We have also had to move indoors because of that very kind of weather – heat and humidity. In fact, at my son Jonathan’s grad party a few weeks ago we were having just that kind of weather, and then the bottom dropped out and we all had to rush indoors with the food in tow because of a downpour! I too was glad we had lots of snacky things on hand as the grill was no longer an option… your pictures are stunning! Hope you are having a beautiful week my friend! xo
Dottie Sauchelli-Balin says
Dear Catherine,
You are so right saying that “Simplicity” is the way to go. I always remember Lidia Bastianich saying the same thing..now that is coming from a chef. I absolutely love this appetizer. Not only looks so delicious on top of a Triscuit cracker, but it is easy and simple so you can whip these up even for unexpected guests.The ingredients are always on hand so that would be simple and so elegant. I sometimes make Crostatas or an Italian Antipasto platter for an appetizer.. It also depends on what I am making for an entre. But now I have a new cheese and cracker plate to try. Thanks for your sharing this one..Have a wonderful week…Blessings..
Dottie 🙂
Chiara says
a delicious summery appetizer perfect for “aperitivo” time ! A warm hug, xoxo
Jess says
Wow…this sounds so amazing! 🙂
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for Crafts, Recipes, and Tips and Tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
[email protected]'s Recipes says
They look wonderfully delicious!
Shirley Wood says
YUM! Thanks for stopping by and sharing with us at Merry Monday. I hope you have a great 4th of July weekend!
Sondra says
My 19 month old has recently gotten very interested in dips and spreads. I can’t wait to try this one out on her. It looks delicious!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Oh, this sounds SO good, Catherine! I’m pinning, and can’t wait to try. Thanks for linking up your posts to Best of the Weekend!
Easy Peasy Life Matters says
This sounds to die for! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Miz Helen says
I love simple and this is a great topping for the Triscuit! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you are having a great day and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen