— [tice tab a f This pear and goat cheese appetizer is simple yet elegant. (NAPSA)—You don’t have to break the bank to make home entertaining special. In fact, something as simple as a few pieces of fruit can make an elegant and festive decoration— plus, when your guests leave, you can turn your decor into a sweet yet healthy treat. For instance, rustic-colored, sweet-tasting USA Pears can be used as decor in any room while they’re ripening in a beautiful fruit bowl. Just tuck in fresh-cut evergreen from your yard or other items from your boxes of holiday decorations. Try these additional ideas: e Layer a glass vase with fresh pears in a variety of colors— green, red, yellow and brown.Fill the vase 2/3 full with water. Gently tuck tall branches or flowers between pears for a showstopping, economical centerpiece. e Use pears to create inex- pensive, homemadegift baskets or bags to give to friends, neigh- bors, teachers and co-workers. Once you take down your pear decor, the fruit can be transformed into a simple, elegant dessert such as poached pears. Or you might try this appetizer recipe. It’s easy to prepare and impressive to serve at a party: Balsamic Glazed Pear and Goat Cheese Crostini Prep time: 10 minutes 2 3 1 1 24 % Cooking time: 4 minutes Makes: 24 pieces USAPears tablespoons balsamic vinegar tablespoon butter teaspoon honey baguette rounds, toasted cup goat cheese, spreadable % cup almonds,slivered, toasted Black pepper, ground,if desired Slice pears stemside up into 12 quarter-inch wide vertical planks. Cut large slices in half lengthwise for a total of 48 slices. Heat vinegar, butter and honeyin large frying pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constant, until reduced by half, about 2 tablespoons. Add pear slices and continue cooking for 1 minute, turning once. Place 2 pear slices on each baguette round and top with 1 teaspoon goat cheese. Sprinkle almonds over cheese and gar- nish with fresh pepper, if desired. For more decorating tips and recipes, visit www.usapears.org.
