Peppercorn Caramelized Pears with Blue Cheese



Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup water 
  • 1/3 cup sugar 
  • 2 ripe but firm pears
  • 1/3 cups heavy cream 
  • 3 whole black peppercorns, roughly crushed 
  • 1.5 ounces blue cheese
Serves 4

Cooking Instructions:
Cut pears in half lengthwise and remove core.

In a 10-12in nonstick skillet over high heat, bring water to a boil over high heat.  Add sugar to the center of the skillet, slowly stirring in to dissolve.  Add pears, cut side down, reduce heat medium-high and cover.  Check periodically for doneness by piercing with a knife.  You are looking for a slight resistance when inserting.  Check to verify cut side of the pears are caramelizing and turning golden brown.

Uncover and add heavy cream and peppercorns, stirring in with a spatula.  Once the sauce has reduced to a light caramel color, about 3 to 5 minutes, remove from the stove and plate.  Carefully place each pear half on a plate with a wedge of blue cheese and drizzle caramel sauce over the top.