Humble sausage is transformed into a sophisticated hors d’oeuvre for these tasty bites, which I created for an apple harvest dinner. They can be assembled a day or two ahead, covered tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerated. Just pop them into the oven at the last minute and serve warm. 

• 1 recipe apfelwurst
• 1 ½ c. fresh goat cheese, or substitute cream cheese or a combination
• 1 egg
• Minced chives for garnish

Preheat the oven to 350°. Press scant tablespoons of the apfelwurst (this is easiest to do if it’s chilled) into miniature tart pans to form tart shells. Mix the goat cheese and egg together and fill the sausage shells with the mixture. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the sausage is cooked through, and the cheese mixture is set. Remove the tarts from the pan and drain on paper toweling briefly before serving. Garnish with minced chives. Makes about 24.