Green Grapes, Drunken Goat Cheese, and Jalapenos on a Toothpick


Trust me.  Really.  I know, I know this sounds totally bizarre....  These perfect little green gems are super easy to make, crisp and refreshing, and pack a little bit of heat.  (Biggest chemist secret: how to clean your hands properly after cutting a jalapeno....  Rub you hands with any kind of oil, followed by a good lathered wash with soap.  It works!  It removes all the capsicum that is oil soluble (like dissolves like) and that could burn your eyes when you inadvertently rub your eyes with hot pepper fingers.  Ouch.)  These make the perfect unexpected appetizer everyone is amazed that they like.  Give it a go! 

Ingredients:
green grapes
drunken goat cheese
jalapeno peppers
toothpicks

Directions:
Wash and dry the grapes.  Cut the rind off of the drunken goat cheese and cut into uniform small cubes, slightly small than the grapes.  Prepare the jalapeno by cutting the top off, cutting in half lengthwise, coring out the seeds and ribs, and cutting into uniform square pieces to match the cheese.  Remember the trick of rubbing your hands and fingers with oil before washing up to remove all the heat after handling peppers.

Now it's a matter of assembling.  On each toothpick, put on one grape, cube of cheese, followed by the square of jalapeno pepper.  Place on a platter for serving.  These apps keep well in the fridge, covered under plastic wrap for a couple of days.  You pick how much or how little you want to make.

-Erin Swing
The Sensitive Epicure

This is part of Food Network's Summer Fest. Check out The FN Dish.  The summer produce we're focusing on here are grapes.  On twitter, we're tagging #SummerFest. Here are other delicious grape recipes to try out:

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