A few weeks ago I had an awesome opportunity present itself. My friend from college, Kristin (who is affiliated with General Mills) asked me if I would be interested in working on a project with Pillsbury. She had recommended my blog as a potential host for their Rookie Bake-off Challenge. I thought she was joking. When Pillsbury contacted me a few days later I couldn’t believe it.

The challenge was to create a short video to introduce the week’s challenge {Quick Party Picks} and create a recipe to be used as inspiration for the contestants. The easy part was creating a recipe! My current obsession with fig butter was the starting point for a sweet and salty appetizer. Add in some other favorite ingredients like goat cheese, prosciutto, and time-saving Pillsbury thin crust pizza dough – you’ve got a winning party pick.

The challenging part was to film the video. I get really nervous in front of a video camera! Thankfully my cousin Andrea was willing to help me out by lending her gorgeous kitchen and her filming skills. She also helped me relax by pouring me a glass of vino.

Chances are you already have your Thanksgiving menu planned. If you’re looking for a last minute, easy and quick appetizer, I do hope you will try my squares.

You can find my video, tips and recipe for Goat cheese, fig & prosciutto squares on Pillsbury’s Rookie Bake-off Challenge website.

Don’t be afraid to enter the bake-off challenge! You could win $500!

I hope you enjoy the recipe! Thanks again to Kristin and Lauren from for this fun opportunity

**Edited to add: I’ve received a few questions about this so just to clarify I am not participating in the contest. I’m simply hosting this week’s challenge! The recipe/video I created was just to inspire others (like you!) to enter the contest and create your own Quick Party Pick.