Holiday entertaining often means evening parties with plates of appetizers, huge turkey dinners with all the fixings and a large variety of sweets and treats. But what if you want to do something a little more low key for your holiday event, yet still just as classy? A gourmet luncheon may be just the holiday event you’ve been looking for!
I decided to throw a little lunch party recently for a few friends, and I knew just where to start when it came to planning the menu. Happy Planet Fresh Soups are the perfect gourmet addition to any meal, and I decided that a simple menu of the new West African Squash and Cashew Soup with Open-Faced Apple and Gruyere Sandwiches would be the perfect way to impress guests without too much effort!
Open-Faced Apple and Gruyere Sandwiches with West African Squash and Cashew Soup
Ingredients
- 1 500 g package Happy Planet West African Squash and Cashew Fresh Soup
- 4 slices light rye bread
- 1 tbsp butter softened
- 1 apple quartered and thinly sliced
- 4 oz. Gruyere cheese thinly sliced
Instructions
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Heat soup in small saucepan, stirring occasionally.
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Meanwhile, lay slices of bread on a baking sheet.
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Spread each slice of bread with 1 tsp. butter. Layer apples on bread and layer cheese over apples.
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Broil the apple and cheese sandwiches for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
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Serve immediately with heated soup.
The open-faced concept of these sandwiches elevates them above traditional soup and sandwich fare, and the Gruyere and apples pair so beautifully with the creamy squash soup. I loved that this meal took just minutes to pull together, yet impressed everyone at the table with its delectable flavours and pretty presentation. While I’m a big coffee fan, hot cups of sweet tea were the perfect accompanying beverage!
To finish off the meal, I simply served a tray of assorted homemade holiday baking. It was a pretty and tasty way to finish off a relaxing holiday lunch with friends. And of course, no party is complete without party favours! A sampler box of assorted chocolates at each plate let guests enjoy some goodies once they returned home.
Whether you host your own gourmet lunch or you’re looking for a classy first course for your holiday meal, make sure to put Happy Planet Fresh Soups 500g pouches on your grocery list. Your guests will love the rich flavour that comes from soups made with fresh ingredients and no preservatives. And you’ll enjoy the fact that the soups are ready to eat in just minutes! Find Happy Planet Fresh Soups, including the new Portuguese White Bean and Kale Soup and West African Squash and Cashew Soup, at grocery stores across Canada and elevate your holiday meal with these delicious and nutritious soups!
Shelley N says
December 10, 2015 at 3:12 pmlooks delicious
Karla Sceviour says
December 10, 2015 at 9:38 pmoh yeah yum!!
Doris Calvert says
December 11, 2015 at 6:16 amI have had this before,I am not one for fruit on bread but this was great tasting.
Cheryl says
December 12, 2015 at 2:11 pmSounds like a great soup! I will have to try 🙂
Cynthia C says
December 14, 2015 at 8:49 amI haven’t seen this soup before. I’ll have to look for it.
Guppy says
December 14, 2015 at 1:49 pmHappy Planet is basically a local business to where I live. I haven’t tried their soups but they make great smoothies!
Amelia says
December 15, 2015 at 6:00 amGreat idea. Keeping thing simpler during the holidays can be a real stress reducer and this luncheon menu is simply tasty.
Kristi says
December 15, 2015 at 8:32 pmThis sounds like a great combo.
Julie says
December 16, 2015 at 12:06 pmI’d really like to try this out! Thanks for the recipe!
Neal says
December 16, 2015 at 2:25 pmLooks great and it looks like something I could handle too.
Cahley Tod-Tims says
December 16, 2015 at 10:45 pmThis sounds yummy, I love the Happy Planet soups especially the Thai flavoured one!
AD says
December 17, 2015 at 8:39 pmI have never tried an Apple or cheese sandwich, but will have to give your easy recipe a try.
Jenn says
December 19, 2015 at 10:38 pmThat looks and sounds delicious!
Elizabeth E says
December 29, 2015 at 5:47 pmI was in the Peace Corps in West Africa and had nut-based soup served over rice just about every day. Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Carol M says
December 31, 2015 at 12:17 pmVery yummy!
Michelle S says
December 31, 2015 at 10:08 pmSounds yumptious, if I could eat soup for every meal I would.
Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says
May 1, 2016 at 3:41 amThis looks delicious! I love a good soup and sandwich combo
loriag says
August 17, 2016 at 6:23 amIt’s raining where I am today and this looks like a great lunch comfort food.
kathy downey says
May 14, 2019 at 10:21 amThis serving looks so inviting.