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Discover how to effortlessly craft elegant Endive Cups with Blue Cheese and Raspberries – a delightful appetizer that combines a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite!

Are you searching for an appetizer that is both sophisticated and simple to prepare? These vibrant endive cups are the perfect answer. Ideal for an elegant dinner party, a casual brunch, or as a fresh addition to any appetizer or dessert buffet, they offer an impressive presentation without the fuss. The crisp, slightly bitter endive leaves provide the perfect vessel for a creamy, tangy blue cheese filling, beautifully complemented by the sweet burst of fresh raspberries and the satisfying crunch of macadamia nuts. This versatile dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the palate, promising to be a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Endive Appetizer

There are countless reasons why these Endive Cups with Blue Cheese and Raspberries should be your next go-to appetizer. They strike a perfect balance between being incredibly easy to assemble and looking remarkably gourmet. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate how quickly these come together, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests.

• Effortless Elegance: Endive leaves naturally form perfect, individual “boats,” making them ideal for single-serving appetizers. Filling them is quick, and the vibrant colors of the ingredients – the creamy blue cheese, ruby red raspberries, and golden macadamia nuts – create an instantly eye-catching presentation that will impress without requiring intricate plating skills.
• A Symphony of Flavors: This recipe expertly balances contrasting tastes. The mild bitterness and crispness of the endive provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, salty tang of the blue cheese. This is beautifully softened by creamy cheese and brightened by the juicy sweetness and slight tartness of fresh raspberries. A sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts adds a delightful buttery crunch, while the optional pomegranate arils introduce another layer of tart sweetness and visual sparkle. The light raspberry vinaigrette ties all these elements together with a sweet and zesty finish.
• Healthy and Light: Unlike many heavy appetizers, these endive cups are refreshingly light and packed with nutrients. Endive is low in calories and a good source of fiber, while raspberries are rich in antioxidants. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking for healthier party food options or a light, satisfying snack.
• Incredibly Versatile: While perfect as an appetizer, these endive boats can also serve as a sophisticated salad course, a unique component of a brunch spread, or even a light, refreshing dessert on a warm evening. Their adaptability means you can enjoy them in many contexts throughout the year.

So, what’s stopping you from whipping up a batch of these delectable endive cups? They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a truly unique culinary experience.

Essential Ingredients for Your Endive Cups

Crafting these delicious endive cups requires a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect flavor and texture profile. Most are readily available, and we’ve included some tips for selection and potential substitutions.

• Kitchen Staples: Ensure you have good quality olive oil and fine sea salt on hand for the vinaigrette.
• Endive: You’ll need two heads of fresh endive. Look for firm, tightly wrapped heads with crisp leaves and no browning. Gently separate the leaves before assembly. Both white and red (Belgian) endive varieties work beautifully, offering slightly different visual appeals and subtle flavor nuances.
• Blue Cheese: Approximately 1/4 cup of your favorite blue cheese. I often opt for Maytag due to its robust yet balanced flavor, but Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or a milder Danish blue cheese would also be excellent choices. Remember to bring it to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, easily blendable consistency with the cream cheese.
• Cream Cheese: Two tablespoons of cream cheese are needed to temper the intensity of the blue cheese and create a wonderfully creamy filling. Philadelphia cream cheese is a reliable choice. Like the blue cheese, ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal blending.
• Fresh Raspberries: About 12 fresh raspberries are ideal for garnish and flavor. Choose plump, firm berries that are brightly colored. If fresh raspberries are out of season or don’t look their best, fresh strawberries, cut into smaller pieces, make a fantastic alternative.
• Macadamia Nuts: Two tablespoons of chopped macadamia nuts add a luxurious, buttery crunch. To maximize their flavor, toast them lightly before chopping and cooling. If macadamia nuts are unavailable, pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be suitable substitutes, each offering a distinct flavor.
• Pomegranate Arils: This is an optional ingredient, but highly recommended for an added pop of color, texture, and tart sweetness. Pomegranate arils elevate the dish, giving it a truly gourmet appearance and a delightful burst of juiciness.
• Seedless Raspberry Jam: One-third cup of seedless raspberry jam forms the sweet base of our vibrant vinaigrette. If you only have jam with seeds, simply press it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove them.
• Dijon Mustard: One teaspoon of Dijon mustard is essential for emulsifying the vinaigrette, helping to bind the oil and vinegar together for a smooth dressing, and adding a subtle tang.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Half a cup of red wine vinegar provides the necessary acidity for the vinaigrette. If you don’t have red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as alternatives, though they will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Celebrating Freshness: A Nod to National Salad Month

May is often celebrated as National Salad Month, a wonderful opportunity to embrace fresh produce and vibrant flavors. This recipe for Endive Cups with Blue Cheese and Raspberries perfectly embodies the spirit of this celebration, highlighting the versatility and deliciousness that fresh ingredients bring to the table.

Berries, particularly from growers like Driscoll’s, are a constant in my refrigerator. They are perfect for everything from a quick breakfast boost to decadent desserts like my favorite Strawberry Shortcakes. So, when I learned that Driscoll’s was collaborating with California Endive Farms for National Salad Month, I was thrilled to participate. Their initiative was all about brightening plates with fresh, delicious salads that feature an exciting burst of berry flavors. This partnership inspired me to create a dish that not only showcases the crisp elegance of endive but also highlights the juicy sweetness of berries, resulting in an appetizer that feels both special and incredibly fresh.

These endive cups are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to experiment with seasonal ingredients, to appreciate the simple beauty of fresh produce, and to elevate your entertaining with dishes that are as healthful as they are flavorful. The combination of earthy endive, robust blue cheese, and sweet berries creates a dynamic salad experience in a convenient, bite-sized package.

Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Endive Cups

While these endive boats are wonderfully simple to make, a few expert tips can ensure they turn out perfect every time, looking and tasting their absolute best for your guests.

• PRO-Tip: Soften Your Cheeses for Smooth Blending. The key to a creamy, lump-free cheese filling is to use softened cream cheese and blue cheese. Take them out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to mix the filling. This allows them to reach room temperature, making them much easier to blend into a smooth, cohesive mixture.
• PRO-Tip: Toast Nuts for Enhanced Flavor. Toasting nuts before use significantly deepens their flavor. The heat helps to release their natural oils, making them more aromatic and intensely nutty. Simply spread your macadamia nuts (or any other nuts you choose) in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, shaking or stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool completely before chopping to maintain their crunch.
• Adjust Blue Cheese to Your Preference: Blue cheese has a distinct, strong flavor. If you’re new to blue cheese or prefer a milder taste, feel free to reduce the amount. Start with a smaller quantity and add more to taste until you achieve your desired balance of salty tang.
• Achieving Perfectly Round Cheese Balls: While not strictly necessary, using a small cookie disher (a mini ice cream scoop) can help create uniformly sized, round cheese balls. For an even neater appearance, gently roll the scooped cheese between the palms of your hands to smooth them into perfectly spherical shapes.
• Embrace Variety in Endive: Don’t limit yourself to just one type of endive! Both green and beautiful purple endive varieties are often available and can be used interchangeably or combined for a stunning visual effect. Check your local produce aisle to see what’s in season.
• PRO-Tip: Ensure Stable Serving with a Simple Trim. Endive leaves can sometimes have a rounded base, causing them to wobble on a serving tray. To ensure they lie flat and stable, carefully cut a thin sliver off the rib at the bottom of each endive leaf. This creates a flat surface, preventing them from tipping over and making them easier for guests to pick up.
• Substitute Berries When Needed: If the raspberries at your grocery store aren’t looking their best or aren’t in season, don’t despair! Fresh strawberries, sliced or diced, make a wonderful substitute, offering a similar burst of sweetness and vibrant color. Blackberries or even blueberries could also work for a different flavor profile.
• Make Ahead Option: To save time, you can prepare the cheese mixture and toast the nuts a day in advance. Store the cheese mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator and the cooled nuts at room temperature. Assemble the endive cups just before serving to maintain the crispness of the endive.
• Chilling for Firmness: Once assembled, lightly chill the endive cups for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the cheese balls firm up slightly and ensures the entire dish is refreshingly cool, especially on a warm day.

With the creamy cheese, crunchy macadamia nuts, luscious plump raspberries, and vibrant pomegranate arils, each endive leaf is a miniature masterpiece. A delicate drizzle of the simple raspberry vinaigrette completes these two-bite finger salads, making them truly beautiful and oh, so divine!

For another elegant appetizer that beautifully incorporates berries, I highly recommend trying these refreshing Strawberry Basil Crostini!

Explore More Delicious Salads and Appetizers

If you’ve enjoyed these Endive Cups with Blue Cheese and Raspberries, you’re likely a fan of fresh, vibrant, and elegantly simple dishes. Here are some other recipes and collections that you might also love, perfect for expanding your repertoire of salads and appetizers:

• Grilled Endive Recipe with Pistachios, Dried Cherries and Feta from Cookin’ Canuck: A warm and savory take on endive, perfect for a heartier side or appetizer.
• Strawberry Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese: A classic combination of sweet berries, tender spinach, and tangy blue cheese, often a crowd-pleaser.
• Spinach Almond and Berries Salad: Another light and refreshing salad highlighting the delightful pairing of berries and nuts with fresh greens.
• Mediterranean Endive Boats: Explore a different flavor profile with these endive boats featuring classic Mediterranean ingredients.
• Plus, don’t forget to check out all my best Salad Recipes for endless inspiration, from simple side salads to hearty main courses.

The Recipe:

Endive Cups with Blue Cheese, Raspberries and Macadamia Nuts

Prep Time
15 minutes

Total Time
15 minutes

Yield
12

Elegant endive cups filled with creamy blue cheese and cream cheese balls, fresh pomegranate arils, ripe raspberries, and finished with a delicate drizzle of homemade raspberry vinaigrette!

Ingredients

• 2 heads of Endive, leaves separated
• ¼ cup blue cheese, at room temperature (such as Maytag)
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, at room temperature
• 12 Fresh raspberries
• 2 tablespoons chopped macadamia nuts, lightly toasted
• Pomegranate arils, optional (for garnish)
• ⅓ cup seedless raspberry jam
• ½ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Carefully lay out the separated endive leaves on your chosen serving platter. For better stability on the tray, you may trim a thin sliver off the bottom rib of each leaf to create a flat base.
2. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the room-temperature blue cheese with the softened cream cheese until well combined and smooth.
3. Scoop out teaspoonfuls of the cheese mixture and gently roll them into neat, uniform balls between your palms.
4. Place one cheese ball into each endive leaf. Garnish each cup with a few fresh raspberries, a sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts, and optional pomegranate arils for extra visual appeal and flavor.
5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the seedless raspberry jam, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and salt until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
6. Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of the prepared raspberry vinaigrette over each endive cup. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest taste and crisp texture.

Notes

Slicing off a sliver of the rib on the bottom of each endive leaf will help them stay upright and stable on your serving dish, preventing them from tipping over.

Recommended Products

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• OXO Cutting Board
• OXO Salad Dressing Shaker
• 10-Inch Wire Whisk

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 116Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 99mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 2gSugar: 8gProtein: 1g

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“Skinny Tip” for Mindful Snacking

I’m excited to share a new series of “Skinny Tips,” addressing one of my most frequent inquiries: how I manage to stay slim while indulging in my passion for baking. These practical tips will be featured in upcoming blog posts, designed to help you enjoy food mindfully and maintain a healthy balance.

Tip #2: A simple yet effective strategy I employ is to pop a stick of gum into my mouth whenever I’m baking or cooking. The goal is to create a barrier and distract myself from the irresistible urge to take that “first nibble” of cookie dough, a spoonful of sauce, or a bite of a freshly baked good. Experience has taught me that once I start, it can be incredibly difficult to stop! Chewing gum helps keep my mouth busy and my mind focused on the task at hand, rather than on impromptu snacking. This small habit makes a big difference in managing portion control and avoiding unnecessary calories during food preparation.

Disclosure: This recipe post was made possible through a collaboration. California Endive Farms generously supplied me with six pounds of their gorgeous, fresh endive, and Driscoll’s Berries provided coupons for free berries. It’s important to note that I was not financially compensated for writing this post. The opinions and recommendations expressed herein are entirely my own and are not necessarily indicative of the opinions or positions of either California Endive Farms or Driscoll’s Berries. I only share products and ingredients that I genuinely love and believe in.