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Introduction:
Baked pears with goat cheese, honey, and cranberries combine the perfect balance of sweet and savory, creating a dish that's not only visually stunning but also packed with layers of flavor. The richness of the goat cheese melts beautifully into the soft, caramelized pears, while the tart cranberries and sweet honey create a delightful contrast. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress anyone at your table. It's simple, elegant, and makes for a fantastic holiday or dinner party treat!
Ingredients:
4 ripe pears (preferably Bosc or Bartlett)
4 oz goat cheese (crumbled or soft)
2 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
1/2 cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable)
1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
A pinch of salt
Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Pears: Cut the pears in half, removing the core with a spoon or melon baller. If you prefer, you can leave the stems on for a more rustic presentation.
Roast the Pears: Arrange the pear halves in a baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cinnamon (if using). Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pears are tender and beginning to caramelize.
Stuff the Pears: While the pears are baking, prepare the goat cheese mixture. In a small bowl, combine the crumbled goat cheese, honey, and cranberries. If using fresh cranberries, you can toss them in a little sugar to help bring out their sweetness.
Fill the Pears: After the pears have baked, remove them from the oven. Spoon the goat cheese mixture generously into the center of each pear half.
Final Bake: Return the stuffed pears to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the cranberries to soften.
Serve: Once done, drizzle the pears with a little more honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans, if desired. Garnish with fresh thyme for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Serving and Storing:
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