Description
This elegant dessert or appetizer combines the natural sweetness of baked pears with fresh berries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy blue cheese. Topped with a drizzle of honey and a hint of fresh thyme, this dish is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ½ cup mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Prepare the Pears:
- Place the halved and cored pears, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pear with melted butter for a golden finish when baked.
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Bake the Pears:
- Bake the pears for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
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Add the Toppings:
- Evenly distribute the mixed berries over each pear half, then sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top to melt slightly from the pear’s warmth.
- Sprinkle walnuts over each pear half and drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness.
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Serve:
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an earthy flavor, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, you can toast the walnuts before adding them to the pears.
- If you prefer a milder cheese, goat cheese can be used in place of blue cheese.
- These pears can also be served as a side dish with roasted meats or as a light dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear half (with toppings)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg