Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts, and Figs

Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts, and Figs

In search of a unique appetizer or side dish? Not only are these roasted pears visually stunning, but they’re packed with bold yet complementary flavours. Be prepared to get hooked.

YIELDS

8 pear halves

PREP TIME

15 minutes

COOK TIME

30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

What you need

  • 4 firm Bosc or Bartlett pears, halved and cored
  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup (125 g) blue cheese (Danish Blue, Gorgonzola, or Stilton)
  • ¼ cup (30 g) walnuts
  • ¼ cup (3 pieces) dried figs, diced
  • 1 tsp (2 g) fresh thyme, minced
  • ½ tsp (1 g) fresh rosemary, minced
  • ¼ cup (50 g) Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar
  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp (42 g) butter, melted
  • ¼ tsp (1 g) fine sea salt
  • ¼ tsp (2 g) black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400℉ (200℃).

2. Slice a thin portion off of the rounded sides of each pear so that pears can sit in baking dish without wobbling.

3. To prevent browning, toss halved, and cored pears with lemon juice.

4. In a small bowl gently toss blue cheese, walnuts, dried figs, thyme, and rosemary together. Set aside.

5. In a small bowl whisk together the apple cider vinegar, sugar, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Pour vinegar mixture over pears and toss to ensure fruit is evenly coated.

6. Fill each pear with the blue cheese mixture, and place into baking dish. Spoon the leftover vinegar mixture over pears.

7. Place baking dish into preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking period, baste the pears with a spoon, with the vinegar sauce.

pears stuffed and baked on plate

CHEF'S TIPS

  • Filled pears can be made a day ahead, placed into baking dish, covered with plastic wrap, and baked the next day.
  • For a milder flavour, substitute blue cheese with Brie or mozzarella.
  • Pecans or almonds can be used in place of walnuts.