We admit, it doesn’t take being Sherlock Holmes to realize that it’s tough to eat meals at home with all of the holiday parties this time of year. Although we love eating out, we truly find major comfort in our home-cooked, healthy meals that make us feel incredibly energetic and light. So, to help those of you who are in the same boat, as we help ourselves ;), we have created an appetizer that’s sure to impress at any holiday party, but that’s also healthy, so we all can indulge guilt-free.
This app is simple to make, and is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy. These pear slices are also impressive because each slice, all dressed up, is just 43 calories! (Making them a much lighter option than standard party appetizers.) Putting a platter of these pear slices out on the buffet table will put those pigs-in-a-blanket to shame. And that bowl of chips and dip? Yup, it won’t stand a chance either!
(Pssst…looking for an easy, healthy, way to squash a sweet craving? Try our healthy Microwave Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, which snow balled and led to creations like our Wild Blueberry Cookies, White Chocolate Drizzled wild Blueberry Granola Balls and our Minute Oatmeal Raisin Cookies)
These pear slices are kind to the waistline, even though they taste oh-so-indulgent. And did we mention how awesome walnuts are?! They are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids to fight inflammation; chronic inflammation causes us to age faster and is at the core of a lot of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Walnuts also rock with vitamin E to provide antioxidant power!
How about that goat cheese? Goat cheese is a great source of calcium, and it can be lower in fat and calories than cow’s milk cheese. The key to reaping the lower calorie benefit is to select a soft, spreadable goat cheese, rather than a firm cheese. (The extra moisture in the soft cheese is what helps to keep the calories lower.) And for those who have an unpleasant time digesting cow’s milk cheese, you will be happy to hear that goat cheese is easier to digest. It only takes 10 minutes to make these slices, so even the busiest party-goers and throwers will have time to whip up this winning appetizer. You’re welcome! 😉
Serves 8 (2 slices per person)
Ingredients:
2 pears
8 Tbs (16 tsp) Goat Cheese
16 walnut halves
Directions:
- Cut each pear into 8 slices. Spoon 1 teaspoon of goat cheese onto each pear slice. Top with a walnut halve, and enjoy!
Tip: Feel free to get creative by adding herbs and spices to the goat cheese for a burst of flavor. Chives or cinnamon are fantastic options for this recipe.
Nutrition Facts per Serving (1 pear slice):
43 Calories 3 g carbohydrate 1 g protein 2.6 g fat 23 mg sodium 2 g sugar
- 2 pears
- 8 Tbs (16 tsp) Goat Cheese
- 16 walnut halves
- Cut each pear into 8 slices.
- Spoon 1 teaspoon of goat cheese onto each pear slice.
- Top with a walnut halve, and enjoy!