Description
Tender roasted pears are coated in crunchy toasted pistachios, paired with creamy whipped Brie, and finished with a glossy cherry-honey drizzle. Fresh cherries, thyme, and lemon zest add a bright, colourful finish to this elegant yet simple appetiser.
Ingredients
For the Pistachio-Crusted Pears
3 firm ripe pears, cored and cut into chunks (450 g)
1 tbsp lemon juice (15 ml)
1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped (60 g)
2 tbsp maple syrup (40 g)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (1.5 g)
1/4 tsp sea salt (1.5 g)
1/4 tsp black pepper (0.5 g)
For the Whipped Brie
6 oz Brie cheese, rind removed (170 g)
1/3 cup cream cheese (80 g)
2 tbsp heavy cream (30 ml)
1 tbsp maple syrup (20 g)
1 tsp fresh lemon juice (5 ml)
1/4 tsp black pepper (0.5 g)
For the Cherry Honey
1/2 cup cherry preserves (160 g)
2 tbsp honey (42 g)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
Pinch of sea salt (0.5 g)
For Garnish
2 tbsp chopped pistachios (15 g)
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (3 g)
Fresh cherries, halved (50 g)
Lemon zest (1 g)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the pear chunks with lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Roll each pear piece generously in the finely chopped pistachios, gently pressing the pistachios onto the pears so they adhere.
4. Arrange the coated pear pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 10–14 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the pears are tender and the pistachios are lightly toasted.
5. Remove the pears from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
6. For the whipped Brie, place the Brie and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently until the Brie softens, taking care not to overheat it.
7. Transfer the softened Brie to a food processor. Add the cream cheese, maple syrup, lemon juice, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
8. For the cherry honey, combine the cherry preserves, honey, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a small saucepan.
9. Warm over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until glossy and pourable. Keep warm while assembling.
10. Thread the roasted pistachio-crusted pear pieces onto small skewers. If desired, alternate the pears with fresh cherry halves.
11. Spread the whipped Brie generously over a serving platter and arrange the pear skewers over the top.
12. Drizzle the warm cherry honey over the skewers and whipped Brie.
13. Finish with chopped pistachios, fresh thyme leaves, fresh cherries, and lemon zest.
14. Serve warm, slightly cooled, or at room temperature.
Notes
Choose ripe but firm pears so they soften in the oven without becoming too delicate to skewer.
Chop the pistachios finely so they cling more easily to the pears and create an even toasted coating.
Warm the Brie gently over low heat to help maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Keep the cherry honey warm until serving so it remains glossy and easy to drizzle.
Fresh cherries are optional and mainly add colour and fresh fruit flavour.
The pears, whipped Brie, and cherry honey can be prepared separately ahead of serving. Store them separately and gently warm the pears and cherry honey before assembling.
Another soft cheese can be substituted for Brie if needed, provided it blends smoothly with the cream cheese.
Assemble the skewers shortly before serving to help keep the pistachio coating crunchy.
Serve the skewers warm or at room temperature for the best combination of textures.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American