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Bubbles, persimmon tart are a perfect pairing

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Honey-broiled persimmon tarts.

Looking for a simple way to dress up your New Year’s Eve bubbles? May we suggest spiking them with a spiced liqueur? It’s fast, simple, delicious and flexible.

And that last part is key. Start by sorting out what you plan to serve alongside your bubbles. Then pick a complementing liqueur to blend with the bubbles of your choice. We opted for individual puff pastry tarts spread with brie (or any soft cheese) mixed with chopped fresh basil, then topped with persimmons that have been brushed with honey, then broiled until lightly browned and tender.

For our bubbles — we like prosecco — we went with Sorel liqueur, which gave the cocktail a gently spiced, lightly fruit flavor. Other fine choices could include raspberry liqueur and a dash of spiced rum, orange liqueur (such as triple sec), or rhubarb or ginger liqueurs.

HONEY-BROILED PERSIMMON TARTS

» 1/4 cup sugar
» Hefty pinch salt
» 1 (17.3-ounce) package puff pastry, thawed (each package contains 2 sheets)
» 2 fuyu persimmons, sliced into thin wedges
» Honey
» 8 ounces very soft cheese, such as brie
» 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
» Ground black pepper
» Balsamic glaze, to drizzle

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment.

In small bowl, mix sugar and salt. Cut each sheet of puff pastry into nine 2-inch squares. Discard any edges. Arrange pastry squares on prepared baking sheet.

Sprinkle all over with sugar-salt mixture. Set a second sheet of kitchen parchment over the pastry squares, then place a second baking sheet over it. The baking sheet should set into the first, resting directly on pastry squares.

Bake about 15 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Increase oven to broil. Line baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.

Arrange persimmon wedges on prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with honey. Broil 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned.

In small bowl, mix the cheese and basil. Season with black pepper.

Spread small amount of cheese onto each pastry square. Top with a warm persimmon wedge, then a light drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve immediately. Serves 9.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 350 calories, 22 g fat, 8 g saturated, 25 mg cholesterol, 32 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 13 g sugar, 10 g protein, 450 mg sodium.

SPICED PROSECCO

» 1/2 ounce Sorel liqueur
» 3 ounces prosecco, chilled
» Orange twist

Pour the Sorel into a sparkling-wine flute, then top with prosecco and an orange twist. Stir gently and serve immediately. Serves 1.

Nutritional information unavailable.

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