Name: Pears in Honey and Pine Nut Caramel with Artisanal Cheese
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter; 3 firm but ripe Bosc pears or other pears, peeled, halved lengthwise, cored; 3 1/2 tablespoons mild honey (such as orange blossom or clover); 4 ounces artisanal cheese (such as Point Reyes Original Blue, Humboldt Fog, dry Monterey Jack, sheep's-milk ricotta, tangy soft fresh goat cheese, or other local cheese), sliced or crumbled, room temperature; 3 tablespoons pine nuts; Pinch of fine sea salt

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Pears in Honey and Pine Nut Caramel with Artisanal CheeseMarcus Nilsson

If your pears are on the dry side, the caramel will form more quickly than if they are juicy. Any variety of pears can be used in this recipe, but Bosc pears hold up especially well because of their firm texture. Almost any cheese would be great with the pears: Head to your local farmers' market or cheese shop and do some sampling.

INGREDIENT TIP:

To order artisanal American cheeses, go to artisanalcheese.com, murrayscheese.com, or cowgirlcreamery.com.

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