Chicken Piccata Recipe

Introduction

This recipe for Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, creating a simple yet delicious dessert or elegant appetizer. The warm, tender pears pair beautifully with the tangy berries and creamy cheese, all brought together with a drizzle of honey. For another fantastic sweet and savory combination, try the Arugula Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pecans Recipe.

Ingredients

This simple yet elegant dessert combines warm, tender pears with the bright pop of berries, the rich tang of blue cheese, and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, all brought together with a sweet, spiced honey glaze.

• 4 ripe Bosc or Anjou pears, halved and cored
• 1 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
• 1/4 cup honey, plus extra for drizzling
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Context: This streamlined process for Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is about 20% faster than similar recipes, getting you from prep to plate in well under an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Pears

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the pears lengthwise and use a melon baller or small spoon to carefully scoop out the core and seeds, creating a neat cavity for the filling.

Tip: Choose firm but ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou; they hold their shape beautifully during baking.

Step 2 — Arrange and Drizzle

Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish just large enough to hold them snugly. Drizzle each half generously with honey, ensuring it coats the cavity and runs down the sides.

This initial layer of honey will caramelize as it bakes, forming the base of the delicious syrup.

Step 3 — Add the Berries and Nuts

Sprinkle a handful of fresh or frozen mixed berries (like raspberries and blackberries) into the cavity of each pear. Follow with a scattering of chopped walnuts for crunch.

If using frozen berries, there’s no need to thaw them first; they will release lovely juices as they cook.

Step 4 — Initial Bake

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This steams the pears, making them tender without drying out.

The pears should be easily pierced with a fork but not mushy when done.

Step 5 — Uncover and Caramelize

Step 6 — Add the Blue Cheese

Remove the dish from the oven and immediately crumble blue cheese over the warm pears. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese, creating a creamy, tangy contrast.

Tip: For a stronger flavor, use a bold blue like Roquefort; for something milder, try Gorgonzola Dolce.

Step 7 — Garnish and Serve

Let the baked pears cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh mint or thyme leaves and an extra drizzle of honey if desired.

Serve warm as an elegant dessert or a sophisticated cheese course. The combination of warm fruit, crunchy nuts, and tangy cheese is irresistible.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~7g
Carbohydrates	~45g
Fat	~15g
Fiber	~8g
Sodium	~180mg

Note: Estimates are per serving for this Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese recipe and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives

This versatile recipe for Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is easy to adapt. Here are simple ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

• Protein Alternative — Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty crunch and protein profile.
• Lower-Carb Option — Replace honey with a sugar-free maple syrup or a monk fruit sweetener to reduce the sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Version — Omit the blue cheese and use a dollop of thick coconut yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a savory, creamy note.
• Gluten-Free Note — This dish is naturally gluten-free; just ensure any packaged ingredients like oats (if used as a topping) are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation — Use unsalted walnuts and omit or significantly reduce the blue cheese, opting for a pinch of flaky sea salt at the end if needed.
• Berry Swap — Use frozen mixed berries instead of fresh for convenience and a more jammy, saucy texture as they bake.
• Vegan Variation — Choose agave nectar instead of honey and use a plant-based cheese alternative or extra nuts to replace the blue cheese.
• Spiced Twist — Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or a dash of vanilla extract to the honey drizzle for warm, aromatic depth.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese warm as an elegant dessert after a fall or winter dinner party. The contrast of warm fruit and cool cheese is divine.
• Plate it as a sophisticated cheese course. Arrange the baked pear halves on a wooden board alongside additional walnuts, a drizzle of honey, and extra crumbled blue cheese for a stunning presentation.
• Transform it into a brunch showstopper. Serve alongside yogurt or oatmeal for a gourmet, healthy start to the day that feels indulgent.
• Pair with a dessert wine like Sauternes or a late-harvest Riesling. The wine’s sweetness beautifully complements the honey and balances the tangy blue cheese.
• For a simpler, rustic presentation, bake the pears in individual ramekins. This makes serving easy and keeps all the delicious juices contained.
• Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened mascarpone for an extra-decadent dessert version of this recipe.
• Turn leftovers into a next-day salad. Chop the cooled baked pears and toss with mixed greens, the remaining berries and walnuts, a simple vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of the blue cheese.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a quiet night in, these baked pears offer incredible versatility. The key is balancing the sweet honey and fruit with the savory, creamy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts for a perfect bite every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using overripe or mushy pears, which collapse during baking. Fix: Choose firm, just-ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou that hold their shape.
• Mistake: Skipping the lemon juice toss, leading to unappetizing brown pears. Fix: Lightly coat pear halves in lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent oxidation.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking dish, which steams instead of roasts the fruit. Fix: Arrange pears in a single layer with space between for proper caramelization.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature, causing the honey to burn before pears soften. Fix: Use a moderate oven (around 375°F/190°C) for even, gentle cooking.
• Mistake: Adding delicate berries at the start, so they turn to jam. Fix: Scatter fresh berries in during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to warm through.
• Mistake: Using stale or bitter walnuts that detract from the flavor harmony. Fix: Toast walnuts briefly beforehand to enhance their nutty crunch and aroma.
• Mistake: Drizzling honey before baking, which can cause it to lose its floral notes. Fix: Add most of the honey after baking as a warm glaze to preserve its character.
• Mistake: Serving the blue cheese cold, which mutes its creamy tang against the warm pears. Fix: Let the cheese come to room temperature for 20 minutes before crumbling.
• Mistake: Not reserving some toppings for garnish, making the final dish look flat. Fix: Save a few berries, walnut pieces, and cheese crumbles to sprinkle on top after plating.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the baked pears completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep any blue cheese and walnuts separate if possible to maintain texture.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked pear and berry component (without cheese, nuts, or honey) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated pears in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Add fresh berries, walnuts, honey, and blue cheese just before serving.

Proper storage ensures your Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese retains its delightful balance of warm, sweet, and tangy flavors for every serving.

Conclusion

This elegant Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese is a simple yet stunning dessert. We hope you love this perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments! For more easy, impressive treats, explore our Easy Dreamy Orange Creamsicle Freezer Pie with 5 Ingredients or Homemade Lemon Cake With Chocolate Frosting – Ready in 30 Minutes.

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the blue cheese with a creamy goat cheese or gorgonzola for a similar savory contrast. The key is to use a cheese that provides a tangy balance to the sweet Baked Pears with Berries, Honey, Walnuts & Blue Cheese.

What are the best pears to use for baking?

Firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou hold their shape best during baking. Softer varieties like Bartlett may become too mushy. The structure is important for the final presentation of your Baked Pears with Berries.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

You can prepare the pears and topping components separately a few hours in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving to ensure the walnuts stay crisp and the cheese retains its texture.