Description
This delightful recipe features baked Anjou pears stuffed with a creamy mixture of goat cheese, honey, and chopped walnuts, then topped with cinnamon and a drizzle of honey for a sweet and nutty finish. Perfect as a sophisticated dessert or elegant appetizer, these baked pears offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Pears
- 3 medium Anjou pears
Goat Cheese Mixture
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, raw and unsalted
- 1 tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzle
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Goat Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the honey, olive oil, goat cheese, and 2 tablespoons of the chopped walnuts. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
- Prepare Pears: Cut the pears in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the cores and seeds, taking care to keep the flesh of the pears intact to hold the filling.
- Stuff Pears: Place the pear halves onto the lined baking sheet. Fill each pear cavity with about one rounded tablespoon of the goat cheese mixture. Then, sprinkle the remaining chopped walnuts evenly over the stuffed pears. Finally, lightly dust each pear half with cinnamon.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the center rack of the preheated oven and bake the pears for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the goat cheese mixture is warm.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pears carefully from the oven and drizzle each with extra honey for added sweetness. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Select ripe but firm Anjou pears to ensure they hold their shape while baking.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- For a vegan variation, use a plant-based cheese and a vegan honey substitute like maple syrup.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
