01 -
First things first, wash those beautiful pears. Then, carefully halve each pear lengthwise and use a small spoon or a melon baller to scoop out the core and a little bit of the surrounding flesh to create a nice hollow for our filling. Be gentle, we don't want to break them! I always get a little messy here, pear juice everywhere, but it's part of the fun, right? You want them sturdy enough to hold the filling for this elegant appetizer.
02 -
In a small bowl, crumble your blue cheese. Now, add about half of your toasted walnuts, roughly chopped, and a generous drizzle of honey. Stir it all together. You’re looking for a rustic, slightly lumpy mixture – not a smooth paste. I love how the cheese softens just a bit from the honey, making it easier to work with. Give it a little taste here; you might want a tiny bit more honey if your cheese is super pungent.
03 -
Now for the fun part! Take a spoonful of your blue cheese mixture and press it firmly into the hollow of each pear half. Don't be shy; really get a good amount in there. I always overstuff mine a little, because, well, why not? Some of the filling might spill out, and that's totally okay, it just adds to the rustic charm. This is where the magic of these blue cheese stuffed pears truly begins to take shape.
04 -
Place your stuffed pear halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pears are slightly softened and the blue cheese is just beginning to melt and get gooey. The kitchen starts to smell absolutely divine at this point – sweet pears, savory cheese, pure comfort! I've definitely underbaked them once, and they were a bit too firm, so look for that slight give.
05 -
Once they're out of the oven, transfer the warm stuffed pears to a serving platter. Now, for the finishing touches! Sprinkle the remaining toasted walnuts over the top for extra crunch. Then, artfully drizzle that beautiful balsamic glaze over each pear. I like to make little zigzags; it looks so much prettier than just a blob. Don't forget this step, it really ties the flavors together!
06 -
Finally, scatter those fresh thyme leaves over your masterpiece. The green really pops against the golden pears and creamy cheese. Take a moment to admire your work – they should look elegant, inviting, and smell absolutely incredible. Serve these warm, and watch them disappear! Honestly, they're always a hit. The combination of textures and temperatures is just *chef's kiss*.