Killer App

Red lentil terrine might not elicit a delicious food reaction for you, so think of the vegetarian appetizer this way: it's like combining Japanese condiments with red lentils. The mixture is baked until it sets, which makes it a terrine; once it's cooled and served, the red lentil terrine spreads upon crackers like a pâté.

Unlike brown or French lentils, red lentils cook into a puree, so don't be surprised when the lentils transform into an orange mush. Caramelized onions and mirin, or Japanese rice wine, add a natural sweetness to the earthy spread, while umeboshi plum paste and miso contribute to the savory umami flavors. Toasted walnuts, processed into a nut butter, thicken the mixture, ensuring that the terrine bakes into a sliceable loaf.

For parties, opt to serve the whole loaf, or for smaller gatherings, cut a one- or two-inch slice and save the rest for another occasion. Serve the terrine with the crackers of your choice, although I especially love it with either Japanese rice crackers or Mary's Gone Crackers Black Pepper Crackers. Take a look at the recipe.

When we received a jar of Fat Toad Farm Salted Bourbon Caramel Sauce ($11), my mouth instantly started salivating. Bourbon and salted caramel, two of my favorite things, had joined forces in one jar; it was too good to be true. Then, I saw that the caramel came with a recipe card for brie with caramel and sliced almonds. It was as if the food gods were bestowing a near perfect flavor combination at my feet.

Caramel sauce may seem like an unlikely pairing for brie, but oftentimes the buttery cheese is paired with a sweet accompaniment like jam or chutney for contrast. This caramel, made from goat's milk, is subtly sweet and offers a grassy, woodsy flavor to the cheese with a bourbon essence that's not too strong. The dish is then sprinkled with sliced almonds, which incorporate earthy, nutty notes throughout each bite.

Our taste testers adored this combination for its sweet and salty flavors as well as creamy and crunchy textures. Overall, the vote was unanimous; this is a holiday party must make. With practically no prep involved, it's an appetizer guests are sure to remember and beg for, for years to come. See the recipe.