As autumn sweeps through the Dundee Hills, here at Dusky Goose Winery, we’re reminded of why this season feels so comforting, especially in the kitchen. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate not just the flavors of the season but also the connections we share around the table. That’s why we’re excited to share this delectable appetizer recipe, perfect for hosting or simply adding a dash of elegance to your holiday spread. These Cranberry Chèvre Canapés bring together the tartness of cranberries, creamy chèvre, and buttery phyllo with a hint of hazelnut—each bite capturing the flavors of Oregon’s fall harvest.
With the richness and layers of flavor in these canapés, we recommend pairing them with our 2021 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir. This wine’s bright acidity and ripe berry notes balance beautifully with the cranberry and orange zest, enhancing the tangy-sweet complexity of the dish. A few sips of this Pinot Noir alongside a bite of these canapés and you’ll experience the harmony of our local bounty, right in your glass and on your plate.
Cranberry Chèvre Canapés Recipe
Ingredients
– 7 oz cranberries (fresh or frozen)
– ¼ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
– 2 Tbsp water
– 2 tsp orange zest
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– ½ tsp vanilla extract
– ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
– Pinch of salt
– ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts
– 4 oz chèvre (goat cheese)
– 30 phyllo cups
Instructions
- **Prepare the Cranberry Sauce**
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, water, orange zest, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- **Simmer**
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to break apart the cranberries.
- **Season the Sauce**
Remove the pan from heat and add vanilla extract, nutmeg, hazelnuts, and salt. Stir well to combine, then allow the sauce to cool completely. (Pro tip: The cranberry sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance.)
- **Prepare the Phyllo Cups**
Toast phyllo cups according to the package instructions, until they’re crisp and golden.
- **Assemble**
Fill each toasted phyllo cup with chèvre. Top with a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce, using a 1:1 ratio of chèvre to cranberry sauce.
- **Finish and Serve**
Sprinkle with fresh orange zest for garnish and serve with a glass of Dusky Goose’s 2021 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir.
Why We Love This Recipe
The combination of creamy, tangy chèvre and the sweet-tart cranberry compote in these canapés captures the spirit of Thanksgiving—warm, inviting, and full of seasonal flavor. The pop of orange zest and toasted hazelnuts add that extra bit of holiday warmth, making these bites memorable from the first taste to the last. Plus, the 2021 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir highlights every bright, layered flavor, making it the ideal pairing for this festive starter.
Whether you’re hosting family, sharing a Friendsgiving, or enjoying a quiet moment on your own, we hope this recipe, paired with our Pinot Noir, brings a little Dusky Goose magic to your holiday season. Cheers to a delicious, memorable Thanksgiving from all of us at Dusky Goose!