Entertaining during the holidays is fun, and most of us want our food to look fancy and beautiful. It;s rare, though, that many of us have time to fuss over food since we have so many other things to do. Red Pepper Relish is easy to make, can be made a month or so ahead, and is sparkly and festive. The relish can be served with meats and poultry, on sandwich trays, with a variety of cheeses, or over cream cheese with crackers.

This cheese tray is red and green - perfect for the holidays; it's also delicious, but it takes very little hands-on time. This appetizer is simple - just cheese and jelly or relish - but simple is often the best, and almost everyone will love it. Serve it on a festive holiday tray with your favorite crackers.

Three small brie cheese rounds form ornaments; red pepper relish makes them shiny red, and jalapeno jelly (available at most grocery stores if you don't make your own) makes them shiny green. I like to put the brie ornaments on a tray lined with pine boughs, then spoon the toppings over the brie. Gold ribbon finishes the garnish and makes them look like Christmas tree ornaments (See Photo).

32 Servings

2 red bell peppers, finely diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 cup red wine vinegar
1/2-3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, (depending on how spicy you want it)

1. Place the relish ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer, and let cook 20-25 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.
2. Let cool.
3. Transfer the relish to a jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 43 Calories from Fat 0
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 0% Protein 1% Carb. 87%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 1 mg
Total Carbohydrate 9 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 8 g
Protein 0 g

Vitamin A 6% Vitamin C 15% Calcium 0% Iron 0%