Holiday parties are in full swing this weekend, and if you’re searching for the perfect healthy holiday hors d’oeuvre, I have just the thing. While it still has the crunch and sweet/savory combination you’re craving, this is a simpler, more elegant bite that will be a welcome addition to any holiday fete. Pair this with a glass of champagne and toast to your culinary capability!

This recipe is versatile as well, so if you’re not crazy about Gorgonzola, you could use bleu cheese or goat cheese. If you don’t love pears, try apples and of course, choose your favorite nut for the perfect crunch.

Easy Pear, Nut and Cheese Crostini

makes: 10-12 servings

Ingredients:

1 baguette sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

4-ounces reduced fat cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola

2 medium pears, just ripe and thinly sliced

4 tablespoons honey

1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts

chives, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange baguette slices on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

2. Combine cream cheese and crumbled cheese in a small bowl. Spread cheese mixture evenly on toasted bread slices. Top with a few pear slices. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with nuts.

4. Broil crostini for 1-2 minutes or until pears are tender and cheese is slightly melted. Garnish each piece with a teensy sprinkle of Gorgonzola and snips of chive. Serve immediately.

I know what you’re thinking. “She’s lost her mind! This is supposed to be a healthy living blog!” But let me assure you that it’s all in your definition of healthy. I believe DEEPLY in the need for treats. High-quality, incredibly-delicious, worth-every-calorie treats are a routine part of my world. Call me crazy, but treats like this are right up there next to kale in my healthy lifestyle. Everything in moderation, my friends.

In that spirit, here’s a recipe for a treat that will be making an appearance at my own holiday gatherings. Three ingredients, all natural, super quick, and easy to store. Giftable, even! Holiday nirvana.

Dark Chocolate Cherry and Nut Bark

Ingredients:

2 – 12-ounce bags dark chocolate morsels

1 cup almonds or walnuts, chopped

1 cup dried cherries (or dried fruit of your choice – cranberries, blueberries, etc.)

Directions:

1. Line a 12-inch x 15-inch rimmed baking sheet with waxed or parchment paper.

2. Microwave chocolate morsels in a large glass bowl for 3-4 minutes, stirring after 1 1/2 minutes, and then at 30 second intervals until melted and smooth.

3. Pour mixture onto paper-lined baking sheet and spread 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle with nuts and fruit, pressing into chocolate.

4. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Cut or break into pieces and store in an airtight container.