White Celery Boats filled with Gorgonzola

Delicious appetizers with celery stuffed with cream cheese: a crunchy and savory treat

Total preparation time: 25 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 5 appetizers

In a world full of flavors and textures, celery stuffed with cream cheese is an excellent choice for any occasion. This appetizer is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a healthy option, rich in nutrients. Celery, with its crunchy and fresh texture, combined with the creaminess of cheese, offers a pleasant contrast that will delight anyone who tastes it. Get ready to bring joy to your meals with this simple and elegant appetizer!

Your basic ingredients:

- 5 pieces of white celery (choose fresh and crunchy stalks)
- 200 g sweet gorgonzola (if you can't find gorgonzola with mascarpone, you can combine 100 g gorgonzola with 100 g mascarpone)
- 100 g Philadelphia cheese (or another creamy cheese)
- 100 g walnuts (preferably lightly toasted for added flavor)
- salt (to taste)

A little history:

Stuffed celery appetizers are a popular choice in many cultures, appreciated for their versatility and ease of preparation. Celery has been used for thousands of years, originating in Mediterranean regions, and the combination with creamy cheeses quickly became a tradition at parties and social gatherings. The distinctive flavor of gorgonzola, combined with the crunch of celery, has led to the creation of an appetizer that never goes out of style.

Step-by-step preparation of the appetizer:

1. Wash and prepare the celery: Start by washing the celery well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, cut the celery into 3-4 smaller pieces so you can create "boats" for the filling. It's important to choose fresh stalks, as they will add a crunchy texture to your appetizer.

2. Let the celery drain: Place the celery pieces on a paper towel or a clean napkin and let them drain excess water. This step is essential to prevent diluting the cream cheese.

3. Prepare the cream cheese: In a bowl, combine sweet gorgonzola (or the mix of gorgonzola and mascarpone) with Philadelphia cheese. Add a pinch of salt (to taste) and mix well with a spatula or fork until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. The texture should be fine and easy to spread, so don't hesitate to mix well!

4. Fill the celery boats: Using a teaspoon, take a portion of the cream cheese and fill each piece of celery. Aim for a generous appearance, ensuring that the cream slightly overflows the edges of the celery to create a pleasing visual effect. The celery will truly become the star of the appetizer!

5. Add the walnuts: To finish the dish, sprinkle toasted walnut pieces on top of the cream cheese. The walnuts not only add a delicious flavor but also a crunchy texture that makes each bite a contrasting experience.

6. Chilling: Let the appetizers chill for 10 minutes to allow the cream cheese to firm up slightly and let the flavors blend. This step is optional but recommended for a more refined appetizer.

My personal tip: If you want to add an extra note of flavor, you can add some fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, to the cream cheese. These will bring an extra freshness and flavor to your appetizer.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A stuffed celery appetizer provides a good amount of nutrients. Celery is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins C and K, while cheese adds protein and calcium. Generally, a serving of this appetizer has about 200-250 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and walnuts used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with other creamy cheeses, such as ricotta or goat cheese, to vary the flavor.

2. What other ingredients can I add? You can try adding chopped olives, bell peppers, or even a few slices of apple for an interesting contrast.

3. How can I serve this appetizer? It is perfect served as part of a platter of appetizers. You can pair it with a refreshing drink, such as a citrus cocktail or a dry white wine.

Possible variations:

For a vegan version, you can replace the cheese with a cashew or tofu cream mixed with spices to achieve a similar texture. You can also use red celery for a more colorful appearance.

These celery boats are not just an appetizer; they are also a way to bring a touch of creativity and health to your meals. Whether you serve them at a party, a casual dinner, or simply as a healthy snack, you can't help but enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy your meal!