A Delicious Hors d'oeuvre

I'm not good at hors d'oeuvres. But you can't rush your dinner guests to the dinner table the minute they arrive in your home. You need a transition. You need something to soak up the delicious cocktails or wine you're serving as you're chatting and catching up. That's where hors d'oeuvres come in.

Trader Joe's has a terrific selection of tasty hors d'oeuvres. But whenever I serve them I feel like I'm cheating because I didn't prepare food from scratch for my honored guests. That said, I don't mind the idea of mixing store bought and home made.

During the holidays, there's always a parade of people coming to the house. To make sure these guest are sated, I went to MarthaStewart.com and found a wonderful, easy recipe for Goat-Cheese Crostini with Fig Compote. The sweetness of the figs complements the creamy tang of the goat cheese. All you need to do is prepare the compote, toast some baguette rounds, spread the goat cheese on the baguettes, top with compote and serve.

Goat-Cheese Crostini with Fig Compote

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What to buy

- 1 small baguette (8 ounces), cut on the diagonal into small slices

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

- 1/2 cut chopped dried Mission figs

- 1 cup hearty red wine, like a Chianti

- 1/4 cup light-brown sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish (optional)

- 5 ounces goat cheese (1 small log)

How to prepare it

1. Heat broiler. Brush both sides of baguette slices with oil, place on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil until golden, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Set aside.

2. In a small saucepan, combine chopped up figs, sugar, wine, thyme and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered until thickened—about 7 to 9 minutes. Let compote cool to room temperature.

3. Spread goat cheese on each piece of toast, and top with compote. Garnish with thyme, if desired.

Do you have any easy, delicious hors d'oeuvres recipes you care to share? Post them here.