Description
A elegant and flavorful dessert or appetizer featuring ripe pears baked with honey, dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and tangy blue cheese. Perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the pear halves in a single layer.
- Cut the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and core with a melon baller or spoon, leaving a small indentation.
- In a small bowl, combine the dried cranberries, honey, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
- Place the pear halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the cranberry-honey mixture evenly into the hollowed centers of the pears.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the filling, then top each pear half with crumbled blue cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the pears are tender and the cheese is slightly melted and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. For a variation, try swapping blue cheese with goat cheese or feta. Drizzle with additional honey before serving if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American