December is usually a challenging month for most of us to stay on track with our health goals. Indulging in delicious foods is part of the tradition but making healthier choices here and there can help prevent packing on excessive unwanted pounds.

Appetizers are always a fun part of every holiday gathering. But they are usually very high in fat and calories. Fortunately, there are delicious healthier options beyond the veggie tray. Here is a healthy delicious appetizer with holiday-perfect flavors that will fit perfectly into any party spread.

Roasted Figs with Prosciutto, Goat Cheese (and Rosemary)

The rosemary sprigs do double duty as a toothpick and aromatic, infusing the cheese and figs with woodsy aroma while they bake in the oven. The trick is to discard the roasted sprigs and replace them with fresh leaves as a decorative garnish for serving.

Makes 16

• 8 ripe figs
• 3 ounces soft fresh goat cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
• 16 (3/4-inch) rosemary sprigs with stem
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Fresh rosemary leaves
• Runny honey
• Finely grated lemon zest for garnish

Heat the oven to 375°F. Cut each fig in half lengthwise and place on a work surface, skin side down. Gently make a small indentation in each center with a teaspoon. Mix the goat cheese and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Fill the indentation with goat cheese. Wrap a prosciutto slice, cross-wise, around the fig, like a belt. Spear a rosemary sprig through the center to hold the prosciutto in place. Repeat with remaining fig halves.

Place the figs in a baking dish and lightly brush the prosciutto strips with olive oil. Bake in the oven until the prosciutto begins to crisp, about 15 minutes. Remove and transfer the figs to a platter. Gently remove and discard the baked rosemary sprigs; fill the incision with a few fresh rosemary leaves. Lightly drizzle the figs with honey and garnish with lemon zest. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!