Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that will transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary sensory adventure! This Caramelised Pears with Candied Walnuts and Blue Cheese recipe is not just a dish - it's a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and luxurious flavors that will make your dinner guests wonder if you've secretly trained in a Michelin-starred kitchen. Imagine golden-brown pears glistening with caramel, topped with creamy blue cheese and crunchy candied walnuts - a combination so irresistible, it's like a flavor explosion waiting to happen on your plate!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, halved
- 100g candied walnuts
- 100g blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pears by washing them thoroughly and cutting each pear in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or melon baller to carefully remove the core and stem from each pear half.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to foam and turn slightly golden. Add the brown sugar and stir until it begins to dissolve and create a smooth caramel-like sauce.
- Place the pear halves cut-side down into the butter and sugar mixture. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes, allowing the pears to caramelize and develop a rich golden-brown color. Gently press the pears to ensure even caramelization.
- Carefully flip the pears and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. The pears should be tender but still hold their shape. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Remove the pears from the skillet and arrange them on a serving platter, cut-side facing upward. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese generously over each pear half.
- Roughly chop the candied walnuts and scatter them over the pears, ensuring an even distribution. The combination of warm caramelized pears, tangy blue cheese, and sweet candied walnuts will create a delightful flavor profile.
- For best presentation, serve immediately while the pears are still warm. The blue cheese will slightly melt from the heat, creating a luxurious and creamy texture.
- Optional: Drizzle any remaining caramel sauce from the skillet over the pears for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm pears for the best caramelization - they should yield slightly when gently pressed but not be mushy.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning the caramel.
- Keep the heat at medium to control the caramelization process - too high, and you'll burn the sugar; too low, and you won't get that beautiful golden color.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the caramel sauce.
- If blue cheese isn't to everyone's taste, you can substitute with goat cheese for a milder flavor profile.
- Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the contrast between warm pears and cool cheese.
- For a more elegant presentation, you can torch the blue cheese lightly to create a slightly melted, golden top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg
