Baked Stuffed Pears

Baked Stuffed Pears
Serves 6

Ingredients:
3 ripe Anjou pears
Juice from one lemon
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon honey
4 sprigs thyme
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
6 teaspoons gorgonzola
6 pecan halves
1-1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Cut the pears in half and remove the core with a grapefruit spoon or melon baller. Squeeze lemon juice over the cut face of the pear halves to prevent browning.

2. Coat the bottom of a roasting pan with the melted butter, and place the pear halves cut side down, then turn over cut side up. Drizzle the honey over the pears. Sprinkle thyme leaves on top and roast for 10 minutes.

3. While the pears are baking, reduce the balsamic vinegar by bringing it to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and cook for 5 minutes until reduced to 1-1/2 tablespoons.

4. Place a teaspoon of gorgonzola in the center of each pear, and garnish with toasted pecans and more thyme leaves. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.