Description
Mediterranean-inspired Sweet “Baked Pears with Berries” blend rich flavors of honey, blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts into an elegant dessert. Delicate pears roasted to golden perfection create a sophisticated finale both elegant and intensely satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 ripe pears, halved and cored
- 1/2 cup mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
Seasoning and Flavoring:
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and creating a non-stick surface using parchment paper or a light grease coating on the baking sheet.
- Transform whole pears into elegant halves, carefully removing the core to create a perfect vessel for additional ingredients, then position them cut-side upward on the prepared baking surface.
- Apply a delicate layer of melted butter across the pear surfaces to encourage a rich, golden caramelization during roasting.
- Nestle the buttered pears into the preheated oven, allowing them to gently roast for 15-20 minutes until they reach a tender consistency while maintaining their structural integrity.
- After removing the pears from the oven, allow them a brief moment to cool and stabilize their temperature.
- Artfully distribute vibrant mixed berries across each pear half, creating a colorful landscape of fruit.
- Crumble blue cheese over the warm pears, enabling the cheese to soften and meld with the fruit’s natural warmth.
- Scatter toasted walnuts generously over the pear halves, introducing a satisfying crunch and nutty dimension.
- Drizzle honey in an elegant swirl, adding a luxurious sweetness that complements the pears’ natural flavor profile.
- Optional: Garnish with delicate fresh thyme sprigs to introduce an aromatic, herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish.
- Present the pears immediately, serving them while warm or at a comfortable room temperature to maximize flavor and texture.
Notes
- Choose ripe, firm pears to ensure they maintain their shape during baking and don’t turn mushy.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese or feta for alternative flavor profiles.
- Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a different natural sweetener that complements the pears’ mild taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg