These easy-to-assemble cocktail party hors d'oeuvres add a festive touch to any holiday party.

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 16 bites

　　2 cups fresh cranberries

　　1 cup good maple syrup

　　1 cup granulated sugar

　　16 water crackers (such as Carr’s)

　　8 ounces brie cheese

　　1/2 cup cranberry chutney or cranberry relish

　　Fresh mint, for garnish

　　

Step 1

Rinse the cranberries and place in a medium bowl. Heat the syrup in a small saucepan until just warm. Pour over the cranberries. (Make sure the syrup is warm, not hot, or the cranberries may pop.) Gently stir with a spoon to coat all the berries. Cool, cover, and let soak in the refrigerator overnight.

　　

Step 2

The next day drain the cranberries in a colander. Place the sugar in a large bowl or baking dish. Add half of the cranberries and roll them around until lightly coated in sugar; repeat with the other half. Place on a baking sheet and let dry, about 1 hour.

　　

Step 3

To assemble, top the crackers with one slice of Brie, a light layer of cranberry chutney, and four or five sugared cranberries. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.

　　Reprinted with permission from The Yummy Mummy Kitchen: 100 Effortless and Irresistible Recipes to Nourish Your Family with Style and Grace © 2013 by Marina Delio. Reprinted with permission by HarperCollins Publishers.Buy the full book from Amazon.