Ingredients:
- 4 ripe pears, preferably Bosc or Anjou
- 1/2 cup blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola), crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Franklin Raw Honey
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary sprigs or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cut the pears in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to remove the cores and create a small cavity in the center of each pear half. This will create a well for the filling.
- Place the pear halves, cut side up, in a baking dish large enough to hold them without crowding.
- In a bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts. Mix them together to create a uniform filling.
- Spoon the blue cheese and walnut mixture into the cavities of the pear halves, dividing it evenly among them.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) evenly over the stuffed pears. This adds richness and helps with browning.
- Place the baking dish with the stuffed pears in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the baked pears from the oven and drizzle honey over each pear half while they are still warm. The honey will create a sweet contrast to the savory blue cheese.
- Sprinkle a pinch of freshly ground black pepper over the top for a subtle kick.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or thyme leaves for an aromatic touch.
- Serve the baked pears immediately as a delightful appetizer or a unique side dish. They pair wonderfully with a glass of white wine or as part of a cheese and charcuterie board.