Manchego and Quince Skewers

¼ pound chunk of aged Manchego, cut into 1 inch cubes

About 2 ounces (¼ cup) baby arugula leaves

6 ounces quince paste, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tablespoons honey

¼ cup toasted hazelnuts or almonds, finely chopped

Toothpicks or wooden skewers

Stack a cheese cube, several arugula leaves, and a chunk of quince paste on 12 small wooden skewers. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with the hazelnuts. Serve at room temperature.

Serves four to six.

Cook's notes: Quince paste is thick, a cross between apples and pears; look for it at grocery stores or gourmet food stores, near the cheese section, and it can also be purchased online. Store any leftover quince paste in the refrigerator, and have it as a snack or light dessert with a piece of cheese.

"Scratch That" by Connie Fairbanks (2007 C&K Press)