Baked Pears with Gorgonzola
Serves 6

INGREDIENTS 
3 ripe Anjou pears 
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon honey
4 sprigs thyme leaves
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, reduced or use a pre-made balsamic glaze
6 teaspoons gorgonzola
about 12 pecan halves
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cut the pears in half and scoop out the seeds with a grapefruit spoon or melon baller. Drizzle the pears in lemon juice to prevent them from browning. 

2. Coat the melted butter on the base of a roasting pan and place the pear halves on the pan facing up. Drizzle the pear halves with the honey and sprinkle with thyme leaves. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. 

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. Take care to stir often to make sure the balsamic doesn't burn! Or use a pre-made balsamic glaze.

4. Place a teaspoon of gorgonzola into each pear boat and garnish with pecans and more thyme leaves. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.