Description: Sweet and savory appetizer featuring ripe pears, tangy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of honey. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe pears (such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett), halved and cored
- 1/2 cup high-quality blue cheese, crumbled (Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton recommended)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
- 1 tablespoon honey, preferably local (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, preferably aged
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Sea salt flakes, for finishing (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking. While the oven preheats, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Select your pears. Choose pears that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overripe pears will become mushy during baking, while underripe pears will be too hard. Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett pears are all excellent choices for this recipe. Wash the pears thoroughly under cold water.
Step 3: Halve and core the pears. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each pear in half lengthwise, from stem to base. Once halved, use a melon baller or a small spoon to remove the core. Ensure you remove all the seeds and any tough or fibrous parts of the core. The goal is to create a clean, even cavity in each pear half.
Step 4: Prepare the baking sheet. Arrange the pear halves on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up. This ensures even cooking and prevents the pears from sticking. Leave some space between each pear half to allow for proper air circulation.
Step 5: Toast the walnuts. While the oven is preheating and the pears are prepared, toast the walnuts. This step enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the dish. Spread the chopped walnuts in a single layer on a small baking sheet or in a dry skillet. Toast them in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Alternatively, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are lightly toasted. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 6: Make the filling. In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and honey. Use a fork to mix the ingredients together until they are well incorporated. The honey acts as a binder, helping the cheese and walnuts to stick together. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness as needed. If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the amount of honey.
Step 7: Fill the pear halves. Spoon the blue cheese mixture into the center of each pear half, pressing gently to pack the filling. Ensure that each pear half is evenly filled. Don’t overfill the pears, as the cheese may melt and overflow during baking.
Step 8: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar evenly over the pears. The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity and complexity to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the pears and the tanginess of the blue cheese.
Step 9: Season with black pepper. Season the pears with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. The black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice to the dish, enhancing the other flavors.
Step 10: Bake the pears. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the cheese is slightly melted and bubbly. Check the pears periodically during baking to ensure they are not burning. If the pears start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 11: Serve and garnish. Remove the pears from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with additional honey for added sweetness. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a touch of elegance. The thyme adds a fresh, herbaceous aroma to the dish. You can also sprinkle a few sea salt flakes over the pears for a salty-sweet finish.
Why you will love this recipe:
This recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. The sweetness of the ripe pears is perfectly balanced by the tanginess of the blue cheese, the crunch of the toasted walnuts, and the subtle warmth of the black pepper. The drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the dish. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet it looks and tastes sophisticated, making it perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or holiday gathering. The aroma while baking is heavenly, and the presentation is simply stunning. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it to your liking by using different types of pears, cheeses, or nuts. It’s a healthy and elegant way to enjoy a delicious appetizer or side dish!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as an appetizer before a meal.
- Serve as a side dish alongside roasted meats or poultry.
- Serve as a light dessert after a meal.
- Serve with a glass of crisp white wine or a port wine.
- Add to a cheese board for an elegant touch.
- Serve with a green salad for a balanced meal.
- Cut into smaller pieces and serve as a canapé at a cocktail party.
Tips:
- Choose pears that are ripe but still firm for the best texture.
- Use high-quality blue cheese for the best flavor. Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton are all excellent choices.
- Toast the walnuts before adding them to the filling to enhance their flavor and add a pleasant crunch.
- For added richness, sprinkle some crumbled goat cheese along with the blue cheese.
- These pears can also be served chilled as a refreshing appetizer.
- If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your liking.
- Be careful not to overbake the pears, as they will become mushy.
- Store leftover pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion:
These Elegant Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears are a truly special dish that will elevate any meal. They are easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and beautifully presented. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a delicious and healthy appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of sweet pears, tangy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of honey is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a culinary masterpiece!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of pear?
- Yes, you can use any type of pear that is ripe but still firm. Bosc, Anjou, and Bartlett pears are all excellent choices.
- Can I substitute the blue cheese with another type of cheese?
- Yes, you can substitute the blue cheese with another type of cheese, such as goat cheese, brie, or gorgonzola.
- Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?
- Yes, you can use a different type of nut, such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- You can prepare the pears and the filling ahead of time, but it’s best to bake them just before serving to prevent the pears from becoming mushy.
- Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
- Yes, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped dates, dried cranberries, or fresh herbs.
