Festive feasting
PEARS WITH GINGER AND BLUE CHEESE
A classic combination, the sweet roasted pears perfectly complement the salty blue cheese in this dish that makes a dazzling starter for the celebratory Christmas dinner.
SERVES 4
• 4 conference pears (firm, but not rock-hard pears are best for cooking with)
• 50g soft brown sugar
• 20g butter
• ¼ tsp grated nutmeg
• 2 knobs stem ginger in syrup, finely chopped
• 60g walnuts, finely chopped (reserve a few to serve)
• 100g Stilton
TO SERVE:
• 2 endive or chicory
•Handful watercress
• Balsamic reduction
Heat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/400ºF/Gas 6
1. Slice the pears in half, then use a melon baller to scoop out the seeds.
2. Melt the sugar and butter in a small saucepan. Add the pears flat side down and leave them for a few minutes to caramelise.
3. Transfer the pears to a roasting tray and roast for 20 minutes. Remove and allow them to cool slightly.
Scoop a large portion of the pear out of the skin – keeping the main shell in tact. Finely chop the filling and mix this with the nutmeg, stem ginger, walnuts and
