These easy toasts are the perfect appetizer for a holiday party. They can be made a few hours ahead to save you from rushing around at the last minute as guests arrive. Whole-grain crackers can also be substituted, but be sure to serve them immediately, as they can become soggy when stored.

Yield: 35 toasts

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large pieces of marinated roasted red pepper
• 4 marinated artichoke hearts
• 6 to 8 pimento-stuffed green olives
• 3 oz. goat cheese (chèvre)
• 35 1 ½ inch square pieces of toasted multigrain bread
• 2 tbsp finely chopped, dry roasted, unsalted pistachios

Directions

1. Place the red pepper, artichoke hearts, and olives in the bowl of a small food processor. Pulse until all ingredients are finely chopped.
2. Spread about ½ teaspoon of cheese on each toast. Top with about ½ teaspoon of the red pepper, artichoke, and olive mix.
3. Once you have prepared all the toasts, sprinkle the tops evenly with chopped pistachios. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.