Recipe: Pistachio, Apricot and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mini Cuke Bites

Makes about 48 bites

8 mini cucumbers — see note

1 small package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened

5 ounces fresh goat cheese (chevre), softened

1/2 teaspoon curry powder

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup chopped pistachios, lightly toasted

1/4 cup finely minced dried apricots

Garnish: chopped pistachios and minced dried cranberries

1. Cut the ends off the cucumbers. Then cut cucumbers into 1-inch slices (6 pieces per cucumber). You should end up with about 48 slices. Using a small melon-baller or "tomato shark," scoop out the center of each slice 3/4 of the way down, leaving bottom intact. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl mash the cream cheese, goat cheese, curry powder and salt together with a fork until smooth and combined. Then mix in pistachios and apricots well.

3. Transfer cheese mixture into a piping bag with a plain round tip. Pipe about 1 teaspoon cheese mixture into each cucumber bite. Sprinkle with pistachios and dried cranberries before serving.

Note: Mini cucumbers are available at Trader Joe's, Metropolitan Markets, Costco and other well-stocked produce departments.

From (c) Kathy Casey Food Studios (www.kathycasey.com)