Holiday Appetizer: Warm Bacon with Spiced Apple and Pear over Whipped Goat Cheese

 

Holiday Appetizer: Warm Bacon with Spiced Apple & Pear with Rosemary over Whipped Goat Cheese

1 8-ounce cream cheese block-softened

1 6-ounce goat cheese log or crumbles

1 Honeycrisp Apple-peeled and diced

1 medium ripe Pear-peeled and diced

3 slices applewood-thick cut bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces

1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice

1/4 teaspoon chipotle pepper powder

1-2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary plus extra for garnish

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

In a mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy, add the goat cheese and continue to whip for 1 minute or until smooth and creamy.  Place whipped cheese onto a serving platter-set aside, or place back in refrigerator-covered, if making ahead.

On a parchment lined baking sheet, add chopped bacon, chopped rosemary, peeled and diced apples and pears.  Sprinkle on brown sugar, next sprinkle apple pie spice and chipotle powder.  Gently mix together and then spread apple, pears and bacon out evenly in the pan.  Drizzle with honey.  Bake on a 400 degree oven on the middle rack for about 10 minutes-or until bacon is crisp.  Begin checking at 8 minutes.  Once bacon is crisp and fruit is softened, pour mixture over the prepared whipped cheese.  Sprinkle with a tiny pinch is sea salt. Serve with warm baguette slices or crackers.