1½  pounds pistachio or your other favorite nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds or pecans, shelled, chopped rough (about 1 cup)

8 ounces goat cheese, room temperature

24 seedless red grapes, stems removed and wiped clean

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Spread nuts on an ungreased baking sheet and toast in the oven for 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. In blender or food processor, process nuts until finely chopped.

Put 1½  tablespoon of the goat cheese in the palm of one hand and in it roll a grape, shaping the mixture around the grape to coat. Repeat process with the remaining grapes and chill on a sheet pan for 15 minutes.

Roll the cheese-coated grapes in the nut mixture to cover completely and chill for 30 minutes until coating is firm.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

– An Encore Catering Exclusive