PEARS w/HERBED RICOTTA & HONEY

By BobD

Ingredients

• The sweetness of the pears and honey in this recipe are a nice foil for the savory ricotta.
• 1 (15-oz) container whole-milk ricotta
• 5 tablespoons mild honey
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 3 firm-ripe Anjou or Bosc pears, peeled if desired
• 1/3 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
• Garnish: fresh thyme sprigs

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

Stir together ricotta, 2 tablespoons honey, thyme, 1 tablespoon basil, 1 tablespoon mint, and a pinch of salt.

Halve pears lengthwise and scoop out core with a melon-ball cutter or spoon.

Leaving stem end intact, cut each pear half lengthwise into 1/8-inch-thick slices and gently press against a work surface to create a fan shape.
Divide cheese mixture among plates and top with a pear half.

Drizzle remaining 3 tablespoons honey over pears and sprinkle evenly with pine nuts and remaining tablespoon each of basil and mint.