Description
A simple yet elegant dessert combining caramelized baked pears, tangy berries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy blue cheese, all drizzled with honey.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ripe pears (such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett), halved lengthwise and cored
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a combination)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare Pears: Wash the pears. Slice them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or melon baller to carefully remove the core and seeds from each pear half, creating a slight hollow.
- Butter and Bake Pears: Place the pear halves, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the cut surface of each pear half with the melted butter. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pears from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet (about 5-10 minutes).
- Add Toppings:
- Evenly sprinkle the mixed fresh berries over the warm pear halves.
- Add the crumbled blue cheese on top of the berries. The warmth of the pears will help soften the cheese slightly.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the cheese and berries.
- Drizzle the honey evenly over each pear.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Pears: Choose pears that are ripe but still firm so they hold their shape during baking. Bosc or Anjou are good choices.
- Berries: Use any combination of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Blue Cheese: The amount of blue cheese can be adjusted to your preference. Gorgonzola or Stilton can also be used. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, crumbled goat cheese or feta could be substituted for a different flavor profile.
- Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts lightly beforehand enhances their flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This makes a lovely light dessert or an elegant appetizer.
- Storage: These are best enjoyed the day they are made, but leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for a day. They are best served warm or at room temperature.