I’m completely smitten with this wonderful, warm blend of autumn spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, coriander, and ginger. The mixture of spices is a perfect complement to the pears. If you have a blend you really like, then feel free to use your favorite combination and ratio of spices.
How to prepare pears with blue cheese?
Peel them, halve them and use a small spoon to scoop out the core. Cleverly, that indent will be the perfect container for the cheese to melt and ooze into. If you’re preparing the pears in advance, keep them in cold water with a lemon squeezed into it, to stop them from oxidising (going brown).
The cheese can be any blue variety you like or have in a good amount. Stilton is arguably the sharpest and the best, or Gorgonzola picante, but Danish Blue or similar might be better value.
The pear halves should be seasoned all over with the spices, then drizzled with honey and balsamic vinegar. Nestle them in a buttered dish cut side down, dotting them with tiny knoblets of butter.
They will bake for around twenty minutes to half an hour until softened, which depends on the pear variety. Remove the dish from the oven at that point, turn the pear halves carefully over and add a cube of cheese in the middle of each piece. Return the dish to the oven for about ten to fifteen minutes, until the cheese looks gorgeous and bubbles happily over the pears.
Serve the dish immediately, or let it settle a little to spare diners from burning their mouths.
How to serve the pears?
This is such a versatile dish! It is a good starter, it can be served for lunch with a generous chunk of fresh baguette, but it also makes a splendid dessert. Especially for people who prefer to go savoury to complete their meals.
Black rice risotto cooked Italian style, with poached pear quarters and gobbets of blue cheese, is the best way to enjoy the black or purple, ‘forbidden’ rice variety.
Pear and grilled halloumi salad with roasted parsnip and salty pumpkin seeds. Everything is there: the wholesome, the sweet, the salty and the crunch. A perfect salad?
Italian style pear tart with an easy sponge base, soft yoghurt filling and pear, cinnamon and almond topping. A cross between a pear tart and a pear cake.
Pears 101 – Herbs & Spices That Go Well With Pears
FAQ
What enhances the flavor of pears?
What flavors pair well with pears?
What herb compliments pears?
What complements pear?
What spices are used in roasted pears?
These cozy baked pears are roasted with maple syrup and five-spice powder, a spice blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel. Along with a bit cooler weather lately, we’ve seen a new offering at the markets to remind us of the impending change of seasons – pears!
Are pears healthy?
Yes, the pear is one of the fruits richest in fiber and phenolic compounds, there are several benefits of the pear for health, the main ones being the relief of intestinal constipation, cholesterol and blood glucose control and a well-strengthened immune system.
What can I add to cooked pears?
Vanilla Extract – For a touch of complexity. Feel free to swap in an equal amount of vanilla paste or half as much ground vanilla if you don’t mind the vanilla bean flecks throughout your cooked pears. Orange Juice – For bright acidity and a little extra sweetness.
What can I use to make pears taste better?
Feel free to swap in an equal amount of vanilla paste or half as much ground vanilla if you don’t mind the vanilla bean flecks throughout your cooked pears. Orange Juice – For bright acidity and a little extra sweetness. You can also use the juice from a whole tangerine or clementine, apple juice or lemon juice. Water – Ok, you got me.