This luxurious combination is the ideal starter. Bosc Pears are the perfect choice; their elegant long neck and curved stem make them a feast for the eyes. Since they are a firm variety, they withstand the baking process well and hold together for individual plating. Topped with a drizzle of honey and fresh thyme, this is a side to remember. They are delicious warm or cold, and this will not make you cramped on time. You can have these on the table in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe but firm Joyfully Grown™ Bosc Pears
- 2 tbsp. honey
- 1 tbsp. fresh thyme
- 4 tbsp. gorgonzola cheese
- ½ c. walnut pieces
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Slice each pear in half lengthwise, and scoop the core out with a melon baller
- Place each half face-up tightly in an oven-proof dish
- Drizzle with honey, fresh thyme and salt and pepper
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until the flesh is soft enough to poke with a fork
- Carefully remove baking dish from the oven and fill the cavity with gorgonzola cheese, top with walnut pieces and more honey if desired
- Place in oven again and broil for 3 minutes, or until the walnuts are slightly toasted.
Serve each half atop a bed of fresh arugula and sprinkle walnuts around the edge of the greens. To make these ahead of time, after the baking process, let the pear halves cool completely before stuffing them with cheese. To warm again, place them in an oven-proof dish, in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes and broil for an additional three minutes as instructed above in direction #7. This recipe is a great starter, side, or vegetarian main dish. Enjoy!
Recipe for Joyfully Grown™ by Valerie Musser of @valeriesofcoursecatering & @whosagoodlizard
