Caramelized Onion-and-Apple Tassies . . .

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Asiago cheese, divided

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons butter

1 3/4 cups diced sweet onion

1 3/4 cups peeled and diced Granny Smith apples (about 2 large)

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon table salt

4 bacon slices, cooked and finely chopped

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Preparation:

1. Beat first 2 ingredients and 1/2 cup Asiago cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add flour, beating at low speed until blended. Shape mixture into 24 balls; place on a baking sheet. Cover and chill 1 hour.

2. Meanwhile, melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a medium skillet over medium heat; add onion, and sauté 5 minutes. Add apple and next 4 ingredients, and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from heat, and cool completely.

3. Preheat oven to 350°. Place dough balls into cups of a lightly greased 24-cup miniature muffin pan; press dough into muffin cups, forming a shell. Sprinkle bacon into shells; top with apple mixture, mounding mixture slightly. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Asiago cheese.

4. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack, and sprinkle with thyme.