This beautiful appetizer is savory and sweet, fresh and festive…and takes only about 10 minutes to make! It might look ornate and complex, but I assure you it’s not. If you can slice, layer, sprinkle and drizzle, that’s all the skill that’s needed. Plus it’s low in calories and high in both flavor and aesthetic appeal, making it the perfect pre-dinner fare for holiday get-togethers.
Call me a romantic, but I cannot get over how truly enchanting the Christmas season is! From the sparkling holiday lights to the festive bow-bound garlands, wreaths and poinsettias perfectly placed in store windows, it just never gets old. And let’s not forget those grand Christmas trees that tower and shine in shopping squares and throughout town, or in your own home next to a cozy fire. It’s simply wonderful.
And to top it off, I love the sweet sounds of Christmas music that fill the air, everything from the traditional “songs of old” to the modern twists that somehow still maintain that classic aire of holiday magic that just can’t be lost. There’s a timeless sentiment, a joyful, synergetic beauty that exists within the community created during the holidays. From old traditions to the novel sparkle that glistens in the eyes of a child, nothing compares to the warmth and joy of the holidays. It transcends time, age, and space, connecting us all with a nostalgic authenticity that reminds us of the simple yet most important things in life. So bring on the holiday food and get ready to share in the celebration with those you hold dear, starting with this beautiful and tasty appetizer.
I love getting creative with elegant food presentation, especially during the holidays. A beautiful dish to dive into is a charming little cherry-on-top as we mingle and embrace the wonderful community we share as we gather together. The reds of the cranberries and pomegranate complement the greens of the pear, rosemary and pistachios, festively reflecting the traditional colors of Christmas. This appetizer is light and full of flavor, making it a great item to offer before a big feast. I like to prepare a few lighter fare options so people don’t fill up before dinner or overwhelm their stomachs with too many rich appetizers. With these bright and fresh flavor combinations, your tastebuds will be celebrating, and your stomach will thank you later!
*Note: While this app looks fancy, it really is easy! It’s just a matter of layering the ingredients, with a bit of honey acting as the “glue” that helps hold it together. Don’t let it intimidate you! Also, the cheese, cranberries, pomegranate and nuts are approximations, so don’t get too hung up on exact amounts. Part of the charm is in it’s rustic-looking appeal and each piece doesn’t need to be measured out to be identical – so slice, sprinkle and drizzle away! Have some fun with it! (Serves about 8 people, with 2 pear slices per person).
Honey-Drizzled Pear, Prosciutto & Goat Cheese Appetizer
Ingredients:
-1 anjou pear (ripe, but crisp and firm enough to act as a solid base for the rest of the ingredients)
-4 thin slices prosciutto
-1/4 c. goat cheese
-1/4 c. pomegranate seeds (time-saver: buy pre-packaged pomegranate seeds)
-2 tbsp dried cranberries
-1 1/2 to 2 tbsp honey-roasted pecans
-1 1/2 to 2 tbsp shelled pistachios
-honey
-salt and pepper
-fresh rosemary
-fresh cranberries
Instructions:
- Wash the pear and slice into quarters and remove core/seeds with a triangular-wedged cut, preserving as much of the remaining pear as possible.
- Place a quarter-sized amount of honey on opposing corners of your platter, or if using a different shaped platter, decide the areas you will want to place the cranberries and rosemary. Place 3 cranberries together on the dab of honey so they remain stationary.
- Thinly slice each pear quarter into 5 slices and discard the smallest wedge on the end.
- Place the pear slices with the wider potion alternating on a platter (optional, but it makes for a nice, balanced appearance).
- Remove 4 slices of prosciutto from the package and pull each slice apart into about 4 pieces. Gently fold each small piece onto each pear slice.
- Drizzle a small amount of honey lengthwise over the prosciutto – it will act as a bit of an adhesive to help keep the other ingredients in place.
- Evenly sprinkle the goat cheese over the pear and prosciutto and follow suit with the pomegranate seeds, cranberries and nuts.
- Finish with another drizzle of honey over the top, along with a dash of salt and pepper.
- Cut your rosemary branches to about 2-2 1/2 inches long and place on the platter with the triad of fresh cranberries for that final touch, creating that “holly branch” decorative appearance. Feel free to add a touch of honey to keep it in place at the base, if needed, and voila! Ready to serve!