Olympics-inspired appetizer sports asparagus 'skis'

Get ready to hit the slopes. A mountain of soft white goat cheese paired with asparagus spear "skis" makes for a fine arranged salad reminiscent of Alpine skiing.

ASPARAGUS AND APPLE SALAD WITH PROSCIUTTO AND GOAT CHEESE

Start to finish: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

8-ounce log chevre (goat cheese)

8 spears asparagus, bottoms trimmed

2 scallions

4 slices prosciutto

1 medium green apple, quartered and cored

1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

Cut the log of goat cheese into quarters, arranging each on a serving plate.

In a medium saucepan over high, bring 3 inches of water to a boil. Add the asparagus and blanch until the spears are bright green and just tender when pierced with a fork, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and cover in cold water to stop the cooking. Drain again, and dry the spears.

Lean 2 asparagus spears on each portion of goat cheese. Cut each scallion in half lengthwise. Wrap a slice of prosciutto around a quarter of apple and tie with a length of scallion. Place on top of the asparagus "skis".

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, mustard and honey. Drizzle over each salad.

Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 367 calories; 248 calories from fat; 28 g fat (11 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 37 mg cholesterol; 16 g carbohydrate; 16 g protein; 3 g fiber; 741 mg sodium.