Saving time in the kitchen is a top priority at this busy
time of year. With fantastic local produce and 30-minute
appetizer recipes from Foodland Ontario, look forward to
stress-free entertaining.
A variety of apples and bosc pears are readily available for
all your holiday meals, sweet and savoury.
They're extra sweet thanks to all that summer sunshine. For an
easy and elegant appetizer, grate an apple into our make-ahead
apple and goat cheese log and wait for the compliments. Apples
and pears pair up in spicy apple pear compote to serve with
cream cheese and crackers.
Savoury Apple and Goat Cheese Log
Easy make-ahead appetizers are a life-saver during the busy
holiday season. This can be made up to 2 days ahead. Serve with
crackers or crostini (toasted baguette slices).
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour 
Makes 1 (8-inch/20 cm) log 
Serves 10 to 12
5 oz (140 g) herbed goat cheese, softened
2 oz (60 g) cream cheese, softened
1 Ontario apple, peeled and coarsely    grated
2 Ontario green onions, finely chopped
1/2 tsp (2 mL) pepper
3/4 cup (175 mL) toasted pecans or wal  nuts,
chopped
In medium bowl, blend together goat cheese, cream cheese, apple, green onions and pepper until combined. Place on large sheet of waxed paper. Using paper to help, form into 1-1/2-inch (4 cm) diameter log. Refrigerate until firm. Place nuts on plate. Roll log in nuts to cover. Wrap log in waxed paper; refrigerate until firm. (Log can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.)
Nutritional Information:   
1 Serving (when recipes serves 12):
Protein: 3 grams
Fat: 9 grams
Carbohydrates: 3 grams
Calories: 104
Spicy Apple-Pear Compote
Make this delicious sweet and savoury relish a few days ahead
to have on hand for an easy appetizer with cream cheese and
crackers. It also makes a nice condiment for roast pork.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Makes about 1 cup (250 mL)
1 medium apple, peeled, cored and finely
  chopped 
1 medium pear peeled, cored and finely
  chopped 
1/4 cup (50 mL) apple cider or juice
1/4 cup (50 mL) marmalade, perferably   ginger
1/4 cup (50 mL) brown sugar
1/4 cup (50 mL) cider vinegar
1/4 cup (50 mL) each salt and ground    nutmeg
Pinch ground cloves
24 cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (125 mL)) chopped fresh parsley
In small saucepan, combine apple, pear, onion, apple cider,
marmalade, sugar, vinegar, salt, nutmeg and cloves; bring to
boil, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered and
stirring frequently, for 25 to 30 minutes or until thickened.
Let cool.
 Cover and refrigerate until serving. Store in airtight
container in refrigerator for up to one week.
To serve as an appetizer, spread crackers with cream cheese;
top with conserve and garnish with parsley.
Nutritional Information:   
1 Serving (2 tbsp/25 mL):  
Carbohydrates: 66 grams
Calories: 62
