Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts
A delightful dish that combines the natural sweetness of pears with the rich, savory flavor of blue cheese, perfect as an appetizer or dessert.
Ingredients
Pears
- 2 large large ripe yet firm pears (Conférence or Bosc) Choose pears that are firm to hold up during roasting.
Cheese Mixture
- 100 g blue cheese (gorgonzola, roquefort, or bleu d’Auvergne) Experiment with different varieties for varied flavor profiles.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Toppings and Seasonings
- 50 g walnut halves
- 2 tablespoons honey Add more for a sweeter dish.
- 1 small knob butter For richness.
- a few sprigs fresh rosemary (optional) For an aromatic twist.
- to taste freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cut the pears in half and scoop out the cores.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the blue cheese with the heavy cream until smooth.
- Generously fill each pear half with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle walnut halves on top of the cheese-filled pears.
Baking
- Arrange the pears in an ovenproof dish, placing a small knob of butter on each pear and drizzling them with honey.
- If you’re feeling fancy, add a few sprigs of rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and beautifully caramelized.
Serving
- Serve warm as a delightful appetizer or a sweet ending to your meal.
Notes
These pears can be served atop mixed greens or alongside crusty bread. Drizzle with additional honey or balsamic reduction for extra flair. For indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a warm oven.