Easy Holiday Cocktail Party Appetizer

This is one of my favorite appetizers to make pretty much year round because it's super easy (5 ingredients!), tastes amazing and is a 'healthy' indulgence (there may be pancetta, but the pear still packs a nutrient rich punch). And since it only takes 15 minutes to put together, you'll have more time to go mingle with your guests.

Pear: Pears are best known for their high fiber content (15% of your RDA). Why is this important? During the holidays we all have the tendency to indulge in foods we might not otherwise eat. This can wreak havoc on your digestive system leaving you feeling sick and bloated. When this happens, it's best to turn to fiber-rich foods like pears to help keep things moving! (Maybe don't share that fun fact with your guests though...)

While pears are best known for their high fiber content, they also are a great source of Vitamin C & Copper (which act as antioxidants in the body and help eliminate free-radicals) as well as Vitamin K (necessary for both bone health & helping blood clot). Fun fact you can share: pears have more nutrients per calorie than calories per nutrient :)

Pear & Pancetta Crisps:
(Courtesy of Southern Living)
12 thin slices pancetta (about 1/3 lb.)
1 Bartlett pear
1/2 (4-oz.) package goat cheese, crumbled
Freshly cracked pepper
Honey
Garnish: fresh thyme sprigs

1. Arrange pancetta slices in a single layer on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.

2. Bake at 450° for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined wire rack using a spatula. Let stand 10 minutes or until crisp.

3. Core pear with an apple corer. Cut pear crosswise into 12 thin rings. Arrange on a serving platter. Top evenly with pancetta and goat cheese; sprinkle with pepper. Drizzle with honey just before serving. Garnish, if desired.

http://www.foodchannel.com/articles/article/the-benefits-of-pears/