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A full table set for a lavish Christmas dinner during the evening.

Festive Cranberry & Goat Cheese Twists and Sweet Coconut Delights

Enjoy a delightful combination of savory and sweet with these festive treats. The cranberry and goat cheese twists offer a flaky, tangy bite, while the sweet coconut delights are a delicious no-bake option.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bites
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Savory Christmas Bites
  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce whole berry or jellied
  • 4 oz creamy goat cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts toasted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • honey or balsamic glaze Optional: a drizzle of for serving
For the Sweet Christmas Delights
  • 1 cup desiccated coconut
  • 1/2 cup condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios (or other green nuts for color)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • salt Pinch of
  • shredded coconut Optional: extra for rolling
  • candied cherries for garnish

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven
  • Small bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Plate or tray

Method
 

For the Savory Christmas Bites
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Gently unroll the thawed puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border. Crumble goat cheese over the sauce, then sprinkle with chopped nuts and rosemary.
  4. Fold one long side of the pastry over the other and gently press to seal. Cut the folded pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
  5. Twist each strip several times and place them on the baking sheet, ensuring some space between each. Brush lightly with the beaten egg wash.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Let them cool slightly before serving.
  7. Optionally, drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze just before serving for added flavor.
For the Sweet Christmas Delights
  1. In a medium bowl, combine desiccated coconut, condensed milk, dried cranberries, pistachios, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture comes together.
  3. Form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
  4. For a snow-like effect, optionally roll the balls in extra shredded coconut.
  5. Place the formed balls on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  6. Garnish with candied cherries or more pistachios just before serving.

Notes

Serve these festive treats on a platter for a delightful holiday appetizer and dessert spread. The savory twists are best served warm, while the sweet delights can be prepared in advance and chilled. When making the sweet delights, ensure the mixture is firm enough to roll; if not, add a little more desiccated coconut. For extra flavor in the savory bites, you can lightly toast the pecans or walnuts before chopping them. Adjust sweetness in the coconut delights by adding more or less condensed milk to taste.