Belgian Endive Appetizer

This makes an attractive large platter of a relatively healthy appetizer.

I've combined several recipes for the "filling" but you can use your favourite combination of cheeses and flavourings.

The original recipe makes two large platters so I divided the recipe in half and still had too much!

Following is the recipe for one platter.....

Caramelized Pecans - make these first so they cool.
1 Cup Pecans - chopped
1/8 Cup butter
1/4 Cup sugar mixed with 1 tsp. Chili Powder
In a skillet on medium heat, slowly heat the Pecans, butter
and sugar mixture, stirring constantly until the sugar melts and the nuts become caramelized and golden.  Pour them out onto waxed or parchment paper to cool, spreading them in a single layer to avoid clumping.  Cool.

Filling:
1/2 package cream cheese - softened
4 oz. Gorgonzola - I used soft goat cheese
3 Tbsp. Whipping Cream
1 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp. chopped Dill
Beat on high for several minutes until smooth.
Stir in the chopped dill and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare 5-6 small endives by washing and separating the leaves. Cut the ends off to separate them.  Sort the leaves from large to small and dab them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.





Spread each leaf with the cheese mixture.  I used an icing decorator to pipe filling onto the leaves but you can also fill them by simply spreading the filling with a knife or spoon.

Arrange the filled leaves on a large round platter using the larger leaves for the outside round and the smaller leaves for layering. Sprinkle the arrangement with the caramelized pecans and garnish the middle of the platter with grapes or strawberries.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.


This was made for a recent ladies salad luncheon that we had at our church.  The luncheon was followed by a thought provoking presentation on how to write one's own Personal Mission Statement!  It's hard to put into written words what we see as our own personal strengths and abilities, our core values, our deepest passions, our views on life and how we want to live out the rest of our lives to make a difference!  We had wonderful food and much, much more "food for thought".  This was a very worthwhile exercise and starting point to which I can work on and refer to as my life changes and evolves.  I have much work to do and thoughts to ponder as I attempt to write my Mission Statement! Thank you Heather for leading us through this exercise.


Till next time..........what attributes and God-given call would be part of your Personal Mission Statement?