Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese Balls, served with Sliced Asian Pears

I recently came up with this elegant yet simple hors d'ouevre, and I've already made it a few times. It's perfect party food--it comes in individual servings, is easy to pick up, doesn't need to be hot, and is dangerously addictive. Even better, it's very easy to prepare.

Pistachio Crusted Goat Cheese Balls

equal parts chevre and mascarpone cheeses
pistachios, crushed in a mortar and pestle or food processor (you want some bigger pieces for texture)

Mix together the two cheeses. Spread the pistachios out on a plate. Take a spoonful of the cheese, and form into balls about 3/4 inch in diameter. Roll in the pistachios to coat thoroughly. Repeat with the rest of the cheese.

I like to serve these with sliced Asian pears. Their sweetness and crunch provides an ideal contrast to the savory softness of the goat cheese.