Bays

Spanish cheeses are back and even English muffins can't turn away...

The Rules: Busy holidays schedules don’t leave a lot of time for planning, shopping and cooking, even though at-home entertaining reaches a crescendo this time of year. Do you have a “Simple Starter” – an hors d’oeuvre, appetizer or canapé that comes together quickly, but never fails to dazzle? If so, please share it with us! Remember, it must call for no more than 8 ingredients (not including Bays English Muffins, water, salt and pepper).

The Prize: One First Place Winner will receive a $500 gift certificate for Williams-Sonoma

The Entry: Marinated Manchego Canapés

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped orange zest
12 ounces manchego cheese
4 Bays English muffins, split
4 ounces prosciutto, sliced very thin and cut into 24 pieces
1/4 cup honey

Serves 8

Toast cumin seeds in a skillet for 30 seconds over a high flame until fragrant. Mix olive oil with orange zest and toasted cumin seeds. Thinly slice manchego cheese into 24 rectangular pieces. Arrange cheese in even layers on a plate. Pour flavored olive oil over the cheese. Cover and let marinate for 15 to 30 minutes. Cut each muffin-half diagonally into thirds. Preheat broiler. Lightly toast muffin triangles. Remove from oven and lay a piece of cheese over each triangle. Top with a slice of folded prosciutto and drizzle delicately with honey. Serve.