One of my favorite (and quickest) appetizers is to take crackers or mini-toasts and top them with a spread of goat cheese and a little bit of Trader Joe's Fresh Bruschetta Sauce.  It's very easy and everyone always loves it.   We were inspired recently by a some blog comments (thanks Jess and Julia!)  to make a version using Cranberry Apple Butter.  If you haven't spotted it yet, Cranberry Apple Butter has appeared recently on Trader Joe's shelves just in time for the holidays.   It's sweet and tangy - perfect for combining with goat cheese or cream cheese on crackers.

Wona and I both served these up recently at a couple of parties and events.  It was a huge hit,  and everyone loved the combination.   If you're throwing a big get together, this is an easy appetizer idea that is also relatively inexpensive to make.   One log of goat cheese (about $3.50 at TJ's), a jar of the Cranberry Apple Butter, and two boxes of water crackers will make plenty of appetizers for a big crowd.  They're also very festive-looking with the red color...perfect for a holiday gathering.
 
If you don't like goat cheese, just substitute whipped cream cheese.

Cranberry Goat Cheese Bites

Goat cheese (available in in small logs)
Cranberry Apple Butter
Water Crackers  (we like the Multigrain and Flaxseed ones, but plain is fine too)

1.  For easy spreadability, you can sit the goat cheese on the counter for 10-15 minutes so that it warms a little.
2.  Spread goat cheese on a cracker and top with a small dollop of the cranberry apple butter.