Goat Cheese Pistachio Poppers with Cranberry Sauce

I find the hardest holiday to plan appetizers for is Thanksgiving. You don't want everyone to fill up before the big meal but you also don't want them to starve beforehand. That is where my Goat Cheese Pistachio Poppers come in....

On Thanksgiving I like to keep it easy with the appetizers. This appetizer is so easy and looks so impressive for any holiday gathering. Plus, I love that it has holiday colors.

Ingredients:
8 oz. plain goat cheese
1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
1/4 cup microgreens or arugula
1/4 cup cranberry sauce, homemade or store bought

Instructions:
Using a really sharp knife rough chop the pistachios and place them in a bowl. Take the goat cheese and roll teaspoon size balls. Place the goat cheese balls in the pistachios and roll until fully covered. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up. To serve add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the bottom of the serving plate. Arrange the goat cheese poppers and add serving skewer if desired. Gently sprinkle the plate with microgreens. Enjoy!

Homemade Cranberry Sauce:
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh cranberries
3 tbs. maple syrup
1/4 cup pomegranate juice
1/2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. cardamon or cinnamon

Instructions:
In medium saucepan over medium low heat add all the ingredients. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until the cranberries start to pop. Once the cranberries start to pop take a potato masher to them until they break up. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Let the mixture cool a little then place through a strainer until you get a smooth cranberry sauce. The sauce will thicken up as it cools.