There is nothing I like better than a really, really good cheese plate. Something a sharp Vermont cheddar, a double cream brie and, oh, let’s live dangerously, maybe a smoked gouda. Basic and well-rounded, with plenty of crackers, a handful of grapes, for guilt appeasement.

When it comes to hors d’oeuvres for a holiday dinner it can be hard to choose something that will pair well with your festive meal without being too filling for your guests to leave room for turkey and stuffing.

And mashed butternut squash.

And roasted brussel sprouts.

And maple sweet potatoes.

And maybe even butternut squash and cheddar bread pudding.

And pumpkin cheesecake pie.

You get it. I know you do.

Whenever I break out the big guns and do a cheese plate for guests, we wind up to full to properly gorge ourselves on the main course. Now, imagine a pre-dinner nosh where cheese isn’t the hero. Imagine cheese playing a secondary role to the real star: warm cranberry compote, spiced with a little bit of brandy and a heap of warm brown sugar. Some citrus zest enhances the taste of creamy marscarpone cheese on a savory biscuit.

Warm Cranberry Compote

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, if fresh aren’t yet available)
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup brandy
zest of one large orange

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until cranberries are thoroughly coated. Cook until cranberries begin to pop, stirring occasionally, until mixture has thickened.

2. Spread a thin layer of marscarpone cheese over a savory biscuit or cracker (such as Carr’s Whole Wheat Crackers). Top with a spoonful of compote. If you have a sweeter tooth, you can use Italian shortbread cookies as the base – delicious with a cup of coffee.

Did you notice that I’ve been posting more frequently than usual this week? In celebration of National Novel Writing Month, some bloggers choose to commemorate November with NaBloPoMo, or National Blog Posting Month. I’ve challenged myself to post daily this month and hope that you’ll challenge yourselves to read them all!