Last Updated on August 30, 2012

Pears with Herbed Ricotta and Honey

Ingredients:

1 (15 ounce) container whole-milk ricotta
5 tablespoons mild honey
½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
3 firm-ripe Anjou or Bosc pears, peeled if desired
⅓ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted

Garnish:

fresh thyme sprigs

Directions:

1. Stir together ricotta, 2 tablespoons honey, thyme, 1 tablespoon basil, 1 tablespoon mint, and a pinch of salt.

2. Halve pears lengthwise and scoop out core with a melon-ball cutter or spoon. Leaving stem end intact, cut each pear half lengthwise into ⅛-inch-thick slices and gently press against a work surface to create a fan shape.

3. Divide cheese mixture among plates and top with a pear half. Drizzle remaining 3 tablespoons honey over pears and sprinkle evenly with pine nuts and remaining tablespoon each of basil and mint.