1 small onion, diced
½ cup toasted, sliced or slivered almonds, divided
2 cups grated medium or old cheddar
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
¼ cup sour cream
⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne
1 baguette or other crusty bread
1 Cut bacon crosswise into ¼-inch slices. Heat a frying pan over medium heat until warm; add bacon. Fry 8 to 10 minutes or until bacon bits are browned and crispy. Remove bacon bits to a paper towel; pour off and discard most of the fat in the pan.
2 Return the pan to heat; add onions. Fry onions for 5 to 8 minutes or until lightly golden. drain on paper towel with bacon; cool.
3 Meanwhile, chop ¼ cup almonds. In a small bowl, toss cheddar with 2 tablespoons parsley, onions, bacon and chopped almonds. Stir in sour cream and cayenne. (If making ahead cover and refrigerate for up to a day.)
4 When ready to serve, preheat broiler. Slice baguette diagonally into ½-inch thick pieces. Lightly toast 1 side of slices. Turn over, spread untoasted side with cheese mixture; broil 2-3 minutes or until melted and lightly golden. Serve garnished with remaining parsley and almonds.
Makes 18 hearty nibbles
