Description
Succulent “Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries” blend sweet and savory notes in one elegant dessert. Creamy feta, golden honey, and tart cranberries create a sophisticated symphony for sophisticated palates.
Ingredients
Scale
main ingredients:
- 4 ripe but firm pears (e.g., Bartlett or Anjou), halved and cored
- 100 g (3.5 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup (30 g) dried cranberries
dairy and liquid ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
seasonings and optional ingredients:
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Fresh thyme or mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lining a baking dish with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating.
- Transform the pears by carefully slicing them lengthwise and delicately removing the cores using a spoon or melon baller, then strategically positioning the halves cut side up in the prepared dish.
- Enhance the pear surfaces by gently brushing them with melted butter and dusting with ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic touch.
- Allow the pears to roast in the heated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring their transformation until they reach a tender yet structurally intact state.
- Elevate the pears by generously filling their cavities with crumbled feta cheese and scattered dried cranberries, creating a vibrant landscape of textures and flavors.
- Drizzle a golden stream of honey over the pear halves and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans, adding a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.
- Return the adorned pears to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, watching as the feta softens and develops a golden hue.
- Rescue the pears from the oven and allow them a brief moment to settle, then artfully garnish with fresh thyme or mint leaves and a final delicate drizzle of honey.
- Present the warm, inviting pears immediately, showcasing their beautiful blend of sweet, savory, and herbal notes.
Notes
- Select ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou for best texture and caramelization during baking.
- Adjust baking time based on pear ripeness to prevent overcooking and maintain structural integrity.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute feta with dairy-free cheese alternatives or roasted nuts for creamy texture.
- Consider using maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile or vegan option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 226
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg