Apple, Strawberry, and Goat Cheese Salad

It is coming to the end of the summer season which means saying goodbye to many summer fruits.  Fruit makes a great breakfast, dessert, and snack, but why not incorporate it into your main meal?  I had some apples and strawberries which needed eating quickly, and made a great addition to a boring salad.

Ingredients

1/2 bag spinach leaves
1/2 tomato, chopped
2 apples, chopped
1/4 cup strawberries, chopped
2 celery sticks, chopped
2 spring onions, chopped
1/4 cucumber, chopped
2 slices bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts
1-2 oz goat cheese
Salt and pepper
Healthy salad dressing alternative (see 3 Aug post)

Ingredients

1. Wash, dry, and chop all vegetables.
2. Combine ingredients.  Add salt, pepper, and dressing to taste.

Serves 2 people

TIPS

- Add additional fruits and vegetables to taste.

Bon appétit!

Pear and Goat Cheese Appetizer

Looking for a guilt-free yet elegant appetizer to serve at your next party?  I have the perfect recipe for you and it only consists of 4 easy ingredients!  This was a great hit with my family during a hot afternoon lounging around the pool.

Ingredients

2 pears
2 oz spreadable goat cheese
1 handful dried cranberries
1 handful sliced almonds

Directions

1. Wash pears and slice into eighths.
2. Spread cheese on fattest part of pear.
3. Sprinkle with cranberries and almonds.
4. Enjoy with white wine sangria!
(recipe idea adapted from modernhepburn.tumblr.com)

Serves 3 people

TIPS

- I found that the thicker the pear wedges, the easier to spread the cheese.
- I also found spreading the cheese onto the pear a rather messy job (more than likely it was the fault of the person spreading the cheese) however, try drying the pear with a paper towel to soak up some of the excess juices.
- Feel free to use your personal favorite dried fruit and nuts! 

Bon appétit!