Baked pears with gorgonzola, pecans and goji berries

THIS is a great, simple starter course. You can use any variety of pear, but it’s best to use ones that will hold their shape after being baked. Serves four Ingredients:

■ 2 large pears – a half is sufficient for one person

■ 1/3 cup gorgonzola or any blue cheese you prefer, cubed

■ 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped

■ 1/8 cup goji berries

■ 1/8 cup raisins

■ salt to taste

■ black pepper to taste

■ 2 tbsp olive oil

■ 1tbsp runny honey for glazing

■ 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped

Method:

■ Preheat the oven to 190°C. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.

■ Wash and cut the pears into half, keeping the stem intact if possible – it adds to the presentation. Then either using a melon baller or a sharp knife, cut out the centre for the stuffing.

■ Place the pears cut side up onto the baking tray. Brush some olive oil over them and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.

■ Meanwhile, mix the cubed gorgonzola, roughly chopped pecans, goji berries and raisins. Add some freshly cracked black pepper and gently mix together so that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

■ Once the pears have been taken out of the oven, fill the gorgonzola mixture in the centre, piling it high. Then put back into the oven for a further 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted. If you have extra stuffing, then put into an airtight container and refrigerate or cover the whole cut surface of the pear.

■ Once the pears are cooked, take out of the oven and drizzle with some runny honey before serving. Serve immediately.