The most stressful meal of the year is upon us, and it’s possible you forgot something: a kickass appetizer. Your hungry friends and family are going to need something festive and unforgettable to set the right tone on Thanksgiving Day. Chef Mitchell Roberts has your back. It just so happens that one of the appetizers he recently added to the menu at popular pub Nine Fine Irishmen is the perfect bite-sized delight for the holiday season. Bonus: Irish whiskey is involved. Prep these tasty treasures, and your turkey day snacking will be a breeze.

Jameson cherry baked Brie bites

(serves 6 or more)

Ingredients:

5-7 squares of puff pastry (5x5 inch, cut into four pieces)

1½ lb. Brie cheese (cut into 1-inch cubes)

1 cup dried tart cherries

½ cup Jameson Irish Whiskey

2 tbsp. light corn syrup

2 eggs, beaten well

fresh ground pepper (to taste)

Method: Soak cherries in Jameson overnight. Cook cherry-whiskey mixture in a small pot on low heat until fruit softens, then add corn syrup and mix well. Use a hand-mixer or blender to purée the mixture, then chill and let sit for 2 hours. Heat oven to 425. Gently separate one square of puff pastry dough and spread a fingernail-sized portion of Brie in the middle. Add a small dollop of cherry purée and season with pepper, then fold dough so all corners are sealed. Spray a baking tray with nonstick cooking spray and place bites on tray in rows. Brush the top of each pasty pocket with egg. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let sit for two minutes before serving.

Nine Fine Irishmen New York-New York, 740-6463. Daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.