Balsamic-Roasted Pears with Pepper and Honey

Pears surrounded by cheese is a fabulous way to have a very Italian ending to a good meal.   The roasting of the pears with balsamic vinegar sharpens the flavor.   The addition of Manchego cheese,  a mild sheep's milk cheese, and drizzling of honey, with fresh black pepper adds dazzle to this very elegant and easy to prepare dessert.

Balsamic-Roasted Pears with Pepper and Honey

Serves 4

Recipe from Gourmet

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 firm but ripe Bosc pears, halved lengthwise and cored

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/4 pound Manchego or mild fresh goat cheese, cut into 4 pieces, at room temperature

1/4 cup honey

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Put a rack in middle of oven and preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Put butter in an 8-inch square baking dish and melt in oven, about 3 minutes.

Arrange pears cut sides down in one layer in dish.  Roast until tender, about 20 minutes.

Pour vinegar over pears and roast for 5 minutes more.

Transfer pears, cut sides down, to serving plates and spoon some of juices from baking dish over them.  Arrange cheese next to pears, drizzle pears and cheese with honey, and sprinkle with pepper.

Enjoy!