Skip navigation
sponsored by 

Martha’s holiday crostini, roasted nuts, bellinis

The superhostess makes entertaining easy with these yummy recipes

Video
  Martha’s holiday happy hour
Dec. 19: Martha Stewart shows TODAY anchor Meredith Vieira delicious treats and drinks that you can make for a festive and fun get-together.

Today Show Kitchen

Slideshow
Britons Celebrate The New Year
  Ringing in the New Year
See celebrations around the world as people usher in 2009.

more photos

Audio slideshow
A villager collects seeds from Giant Water Lilies
Year in Pictures 2008
Experience an audio slide show of the best news and sports images from around the world and close to home.
TODAY
updated 10:36 a.m. ET Dec. 19, 2007

Check out Martha Stewart's delicious and easy recipes for cocktails and appetizers from the December issue of “Everyday Food” magazine. 

Goat cheese crostini with fig compote
Martha Stewart

Yields 24

Total time: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 small baguette (8 ounces), cut on the diagonal into 24 slices
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped dried Mission figs
1/4 cup light-brown sugar
1 cup dry red wine
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Coarse salt
5 ounces goat cheese (1 small log)

Recipe continues below ↓
advertisement


DIRECTIONS

Heat broiler. Brush both sides of baguette with oil; place on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil until golden, 1 to 2 minutes per side; set toasts aside. In a small saucepan, combine figs, sugar, wine, thyme and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cook until thickened, 7-9 minutes. Let compote cool to room temperature. Dividing evenly, spread each toast with goat cheese and top with compote. Garnish with thyme, if desired.

MANAGE YOUR RECIPES


Rosemary roasted nuts
Martha Stewart

Serves 8

Prep time: 5 minutes; total time: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 cups mixed nuts, such as cashews, walnuts and pecans
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
Coarse salt

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, roast nuts until golden, about 12-15 minutes. Line another baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a large skillet, heat butter, sugar and rosemary over medium-high heat. Add nuts; stir until butter mixture is golden brown, 3-5 minutes. Spread nuts on prepared baking sheet; season with salt. Cool to room temperature, tossing occasionally, about 15 minutes.

MANAGE YOUR RECIPES


Pear and cranberry bellini
Martha Stewart

INGREDIENTS

1 cup pear nectar
1 cup cranberry-juice cocktail
Prosecco or other dry, sparkling white wine

DIRECTIONS

In a small pitcher or large measuring cup, combine 1 cup pear nectar and 1 cup cranberry-juice cocktail. Pour ¼ cup juice mixture into each of eight champagne glasses. Divide evenly, top with 1 bottle Prosecco or other dry, sparkling white wine. Serves 8.

MANAGE YOUR RECIPES


For more holiday entertaining ideas, visit www.marthastewart.com.

© 2009 MSNBC Interactive.  Reprints

Sponsored links

Resource guide