Snake Eyes

From Better Homes and Gardens
Makes 60 eyes (30 servings)
Preparation time: 30 minutes

 

Ingredients

• 30  large black grapes, dried plum or dried figs, halved either vertically or horizontally
• 1  ounce prosciutto, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
•    Freshly ground black pepper
• 1  8-ounce container mascarpone cheese
• 1  tablespoon Amaretto or almond liqueur
• 2  teaspoons sugar

Directions

1. Trim rounded end of grape so that grape will sit on plate without rolling. Using melon baller or small spoon, scoop out insides of grapes including any seeds; discard. (If using dried plums or dried figs, simply cut those in half.) Place one piece of prosciutto inside each piece of fruit. Sprinkle with black pepper. In small bowl stir together mascarpone, Amaretto, and sugar.

2. Place cheese mixture in pastry bag fitted with small round tip. (Or, transfer mixture to a heavy-duty plastic food storage bag; snip off one corner). Pipe filling into fruit halves, mounding into semi-circle. Decorate with various trimmings of grapes for pupils or sliced almonds. Chill until served. Makes 60 eyes (30 servings).