Having a few staples on hand makes life easier during this season of entertaining. Case in point: keeping packages of Fillo Shells (phyllo dough) in the freezer. They defrost in seconds and can be made into instant desserts ( i.e., pumpkin butter or chocolate pudding topped with whipped cream) or appetizers.

One of my favorite appetizers is soft goat cheese topped with fig preserves. I’m a fan of goat cheese, but any soft cheese would work. Brie is wonderful, or even whipped cream cheese. Simply fill the shells with cheese and top with a dollop of fig preserves.

Hard to go wrong with simple and good!