Comté Candies & Apple/Pear Chutney
This is the perfect recipe for your autumn aperitifs! If you’re looking to impress your guests with a delightful combination of flavors, these Comté candies paired with homemade apple and pear chutney will surely do the trick. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your entertaining game!
Recipe Information
- Servings: 10 servings
- Total Time: 33 minutes (30 minutes for chutney, 3 minutes for candies)
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- For the chutney:
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 1 pear, peeled and diced
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely sliced
- 100 ml (approximately 3.4 fl oz) white vinegar
- 100 ml (approximately 3.4 fl oz) water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4-5 coriander seeds
- 25 g (approximately 0.88 oz) butter
- For the Comté candies:
- 250 g (approximately 8.8 oz) Comté cheese, aged 18 months
- 10 sheets of brick pastry
- A pinch of nigella seeds or black sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chutney:
- Peel and dice the apple and pear.
- Peel and slice the onion into thin rings.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the onions and cook until translucent.
- Deglaze with white vinegar and water.
- Add the diced apple, pear, and coriander seeds.
- Simmer on low for 30 minutes until the fruits are soft.
- Prepare the Comté candies:
- Cut the Comté cheese into stick shapes.
- Wrap each piece of cheese in a sheet of brick pastry like a spring roll.
- Preheat your oven on grill mode.
- Place the wrapped Comté candies on a baking tray.
- Grill the candies for a few minutes on each side until the pastry is golden and crispy.
- (Alternatively, if using an air fryer, cook at 200°C (392°F) for 3 minutes.)
- Once cooked, sprinkle with nigella seeds and serve with the chutney.
Notes
The chutney can be prepared in large quantities and stored in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for several months, making it a great make-ahead option.
Recipe Tips
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or fruits for the chutney, such as replacing pears with peaches or adding some spices for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
Approx. 150 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portions used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use other types of cheese instead of Comté?
- Yes, you can try other aged cheeses such as Gruyère or aged cheddar.
- How long can I store the chutney?
- The chutney can be stored in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
- What can I serve this dish with?
- These Comté candies pair well with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
- Yes, substitute the cheese with a vegan alternative and use plant-based butter.
- What is the best way to serve these candies?
- Serve them warm right out of the oven with the chutney for a delightful contrast.