(NAPSI)-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:
• Layer a glass vase with fresh pears in a variety of colors--green, red, yellow and brown. Fill the vase ⅔ full with water. Gently tuck tall branches or flowers between pears for a showstopping, economical centerpiece.
• Use pears to create inexpensive, homemade gift baskets or bags to give to friends, neighbors, 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
Cooking time: 4 minutes
Makes: 24 pieces
2 USA Pears
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon honey
24 baguette rounds, toasted
½ cup goat cheese, spreadable
½ 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 honey in 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 garnish with fresh pepper, if desired.
For more decorating tips and recipes, visit www.usapears.org.
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
No comments:
Post a Comment
We do not publish all comments, and we may not publish comments immediately.
We will NOT post any comments with LINKS, nor will we publish comments that are commercial in nature.
Constructive debate, even opposing views, are welcome, but personal attacks on other comments or individuals in the article are not, and will not be published.
We will not publish comments that we deem to be obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence.