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Epicurious

Herbed Cheese with Pears, Pine Nuts, and Honey

Cheese drizzled with honey is a traditional Mediterranean appetizer; when mixed with fruit and nuts, it makes a tantalizing dessert.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

8 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons pine nuts
6 ounces fresh goat cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 ripe but firm Bartlett pears
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons flavorful honey, such as buckwheat, chestnut, or leatherwood

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the ricotta in a fine sieve set over a bowl; let the excess liquid drain, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, spread the nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in the oven until lightly browned, tossing occasionally, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate; let cool.

    Step 2

    In a food processor or medium bowl, mix together the goat cheese and drained ricotta until creamy and thoroughly combined. Stir in the thyme, parsley, and lemon zest; set aside.

    Step 3

    Slice each pear into 6 wedges. Divide the herbed cheese among 4 serving plates, spooning it into mounds. Arrange 3 pear wedges next to the cheese on each plate. Sprinkle with nuts; drizzle about 2 teaspoons honey over each portion of cheese and pears. Serve immediately.

  2. Fit to eat recipe

    Step 4

    (Per serving)

    Step 5

    Calories: 320

    Step 6

    Fat: 17g

    Step 7

    Cholesterol: 37mg

    Step 8

    Carbohydrate: 28g

    Step 9

    Sodium: 229mg

    Step 10

    Protein: 16g

    Step 11

    Fiber: 2g

The cookbook cover with a blue background and fine typeface.
Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group. Buy the full book from Amazon.
TagsMediterraneanRicottaCheeseDairyGoat CheesePearFruitStarterDinnerGluten FreeVegetarianEasyMake AheadWeeknight MealsFood ProcessorCookbooks
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