Pears with Goat Cheese and Cranberries
Still need a quickie starter for tonight’s party? Laura posted this dead-easy recipe last December and the response was overwhelming. For something so simple it makes a very schmancy impression to come out of the kitchen with a platter of these. Plus, kids can make them while you’re getting changed… oh, is that just at our house? Whether you’ll be partying all night or raising a glass early and be in bed by 9 p.m. – from all of us at SPC: Happy New Year! – C.M.
I was thinking about what makes a good host/hostess after I shot these hors d’oeuvre for SPC. Working in the kitchen of my new home (where did I put the spreaders?), I thought a great hostess is organzied. It’s always so disappointing when you go to someone’s home and they are stuck slaving away in their kitchen. Or maybe what makes a gathering is a host/hostess who has thoughtfully orchestrated the evening with the guests in mind. Maybe it’s just amazing food? Good wine? Music? Conversation?
Then we went to dinner at our neighbors. The meal was simple–prepared with fresh ingredients–and our friends were at ease, warm and not at all stressed by preparation. There was no fussing over when to throw the steaks on, everything that could be prepared in advance was done and there was lots of time for enjoying each others company. When we left I thought to myself that it felt like I had spent the evening at home–eating homecooking, relaxing and laughing. So there it was. A great host/hostess makes you feel like you’re at home. And the best part? When you do get home, there is no clean up.
Ingredients
- 2 pears, cored and cut into two dozen slices
- 1/2 cup goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons pistachio pieces
- 2 tablespoons cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange or lemon juice
Method
Core pears and cut into slices.
Toss in orange or lemon juice to keep from browning.
Spread cheese on widest part of slice and then shower cheese with cranberries and some pistachio pieces.
Arrange on platter and serve.
The green and red combination of this hors d’oevre looks festive and they require very little prep. You could practically pull it together as people come up your walkway. It’s also not a heavy nibble that fills guests up before they even sit down at the table (I’m talking to you baked brie. Oh, how I love thee.) In other words, this munchie will help make your next event. Don’t forget the homecooking served with a healthy dose of hospitality.
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We're Ceri and Laura, a couple of magazine-editors-turned-food-bloggers. Also, we're mothers obsessed with delicious, healthy, family food. We're constantly thinking of ways to make your time (and our own!) in the kitchen easier and more productive, but still nostalgic for the days when dinner was cereal eaten over the kitchen sink.
32 Comments
Holly
December 06, 22:02Yum! I had done something similar with apples, but I bet it’s even better with pears (one of my favorite fruits). Thanks for this idea!
Jo
December 08, 21:06Hi! I was wondering how I should go about ‘tossing in’ lemon/orange juice on the pears? Should I just spoon some on the slices? Or do I have to soak them? Thanks! I love the look of these.
Laura Keogh
December 08, 21:28Hi Jo. Just spoon it over them to keep them from turning brown. No soaking necessary. Hope you enjoy the recipe! Thank you for reading.
Tara Lynette
December 17, 17:25This recipe looks simple and delicious! We are having a gathering of about 30 people or so, should we double or triple the recipe? Thank you.
Laura Keogh
December 20, 00:01The rule of thumb is that you figure each guest will eat about three so I would definitely triple the recipe. Let us know how it goes….30 people????? You’re brave and our new hero! Thanks for reading!
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Millie Brooks
February 10, 09:23Can’t wait to get to the store to get a pear. I have everything else! Looks delicious!
Laura Keogh
February 10, 12:37Hi Millie! I can’t wait to hear how they came out! Let us know. Laura
dena
February 10, 12:15Delicious photos! Great appy idea.
Terry
February 14, 10:23Mmmm,….that is definitely going to be part of my lunch today, beside a bowl of soup. I can’t wait for lunch! Thanks for sharing.
Carpool Queen
March 29, 23:21Made the pears tonight for a little get- together. They were delicious! I also tried a version with blue cheese and pomegranate-flavored dried cranberries and it was equally tasty.
So happy to have a new, fun appetizer!
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Anne Quincey
September 22, 18:12hello i was just wandering if I could make these ahead of time and refrigerate them
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October 05, 14:35[…] A beautiful, simple and delicious appetizer (or dessert): Pears with goat cheese and pistachios via Sweet Potato Chronicles […]
Marilyn
November 23, 07:11I mad these for Thanksgiving and they were wonderful! I sprinkled them with a little cinnamon and used almonds as I did not have pistachios. I will absolutely make them again.
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December 06, 21:40[…] adult’s only drink – it is a party afterall! For a small bite, lay out slices of pears topped with goat’s cheese, pistachios and cranberries. It’s so festive, simple and if you are feeling inspired – follow my recipe to make […]
Oorbee
January 04, 15:29So yummy! I drizzled honey over it for a little extra love. It was delicious AND fancy, thanks!
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March 03, 21:32[…] found this recipe for Goat Cheese and Pear appetizer on Pinterest. Just slice the pears (we dipped in some lemon water to reduce browning), then spread goat cheese, […]
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March 03, 21:39[…] found this recipe for Goat Cheese and Pear appetizer on Pinterest. Just slice the pears (we dipped in some lemon water to reduce browning), then spread goat cheese, […]
Andi
September 12, 00:49These are fantastic and so easy! My new favorite appetizer!
Marie
September 16, 14:01I was looking for something easy and yummy for a small gathering I am hosting next weekend…I think this is it.
Laura Keogh
September 17, 21:28Hi Marie. Great, let us know how it goes next week. Thanks for writing.
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December 04, 06:00[…] pretty Pears with Goat Cheese and Cranberries from Sweet Potato Chronicles are kind of like crostini, but without the toasted bread. I’ll […]
Donna
December 06, 23:08OMG! These are little taste explosions in the mouth. I just made 3 to try prior to a luncheon I’m cooking for friends tomorrow and these are definitely on the menu! Thanks such an awesome and awesomely simple recipe.
Jamie Costello
August 20, 04:32ummmmm goat cheese and pistachios. Man that sounds good *dribbles*.
I’ve been reading your blog for hours its great, your hard work really show.
Take care
Jamie
Laura
October 04, 11:41Thanks so much for taking the time to check out the blog. We hope you give the pear and goat cheese appetizer a try. it’s one of our favourites. Best, Laura