A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. – Cicero

Lately, I have become a bit envious of past holidays. All the memories of times spent with extended family and all of our friends always brings a smile to my face. Now as the holidays are approaching, I have decided not to envy the past, but be thankful for what is to come this holiday season.

We just welcomed a new baby girl into our family this fall, and have decided that a small celebration in our home is in order during these uncertain times. I am so excited to start some new traditions with my family as well as bringing in our old traditions. Thanksgiving was always one of the biggest celebrations that we would hold at my parent’s house and I wanted to bring the same experience on a smaller scale in our home this year.

With Thanksgiving only a few weeks away, my oldest daughter and I have already started prepping our menu. She really wanted to have a “fancy hors d’oeuvres” (she is obsessed with Fancy Nancy and using French words). So we scoured the world wide web for some new “fancy” ideas and found Ritz Smoked Gouda Toppers. If these aren’t “fancy” enough for a 5-year-old, I don’t know what is. After we put them all together, Anabelle gave them her signature 2 thumbs up.

Ritz Smoked Gouda Toppers

What You Need

• 2 tsp. butter
• 1 cup slivered onions
• 1-1/2 tsp. brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
• 24 RITZ Crackers
• 4 oz. smoked Gouda cheese, cut into 24 thin slices
• 1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

Make It

• Heat the oven to 350°F.
• Melt butter in a skillet on medium heat.  Add onions; cook 10 min. or until tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
• Add sugar; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until completely dissolved.  Remove skillet from heat.  Stir in thyme.  Set aside.
• Place crackers in a single layer on a baking sheet; top with cheese.
• Bake 3 to 5 min. or until the cheese is melted.
• Top with onions and cranberry sauce.

Tips

Special Extra

• Sprinkle with additional chopped fresh thyme before serving.

So head down to your local commissary and grab all the ingredients for these tasty “fancy hors d’oeuvres” today. Happy Thanksgiving!