Happy 2013!

Happy New Year!   I thought about doing a post about our new year's eve....but frankly, it was pretty boring.  Then I thought about doing a 2012 recap post, but I was too tired.  Then I thought about doing a post about all the awesome and amazing things we are going to do and accomplish in 2013...but to be honest, I have no idea what 2013 will hold for us.  I know it will be new and exciting...but that's about it!

So, I have instead decided to share a simple recipe with you.  For our new year's eve Curt and I decided that we were in the mood to have a bunch of small plates instead of one big meal (also known as "apps and zerts" if you are a Tom Haverford fan).  That way we could snack and just hang out and get to eat a lot of different things.  It was great!

Here was one of our favorites.

They are called Pear Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese and Honey and the flavor combination is amazing.  Also, they are super easy to make.  Win!  Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
- 12 thin slices of pancetta (about 1/3 lb.)
- 2 Bartlett pears
- 1/2 (4 oz.) package goat cheese, crumbled
- Freshly cracked pepper
- Honey

Directions:
1.  Arrange pancetta slices in a single layer on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.  Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined wire rack using a spatula. Let stand 10 minutes or until crisp.

2. Core pears with an apple corer. Cut pears crosswise into 12 thin rings*. Arrange on a serving platter. Top evenly with pancetta and goat cheese; sprinkle with pepper. Drizzle with honey just before serving.

*If you don't plan to serve right away, put the pear slices into a lemon water bath to keep from turning brown.

 That's it!  The easiest and most delicious appetizer ever!

Also, I'm sure this would pair really well with some white wine or champagne....but since I'm pregnant we drank it with this:

Seriously...most delicious sparkling grape juice around (and of course it's from Trader Joe's).

Happy New Year!