Spiced Honey
4 cardamom pods
1 large cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon course black pepper
1 cup clover honey
4 ounces water
Method
In a small saucepan, muddle the cardamom pods with the cinnamon stick. Add the black pepper, clover honey and water. Bring just to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently
Broiled Pear/Walnut Goat Cheese
2 ripe but firm Anjou pears
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)
3 ounces of goat cheese
1/4 cup walnut halves, toasted and chopped
sea salt
Method
Preheat oven to a low broil
Slice the pears lengthwise into halves. With a small sharp paring knife and a melon baller, remove the core and seeds from each pear, leaving a round well for the filling. Trim a small slice away from the rounded sides of each pear half so that they will sit in the baking dish without wobbling. Toss the pears with some lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown. Arrange them, core side up, in a baking dish large enough to hold the pears snugly.
Gently toss the goat cheese and walnuts together in a small bowl. Divide the mixture between the pears, mounding it on top of the carved hole
Cover halved pears with aluminum foil . Bake for 10 minutes, or until slightly tender. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 - 10 minutes until slightly charred. Set aside until warm or at room temperature.
Drizzle each pear with spiced honey and serve alone or over an arugula salad.
Veda:
We all know pear are super tasty, they're also rich in important antioxidants, flavonoids and dietary fiber. Making them a perfect treat to satisfy sweet cravings. Goat cheese is easier on the human digestive system and lower in calories, cholesterol and fat than most other cheese. It is also a great source of calcium, protein and vitamin K. Let's talk honey! The two key beneficial components of raw honey are bee pollen and propolis. Bee pollen is a super nutritious compound, containing all the nutrients required by the human body. It is a source of proteins, beneficial fatty acids, minerals, enzymes, carotenoids and bioflavonoids which are antiviral, antibacterial and helpful to cardiovascular health. Propolis also has antibacterial and antiviral qualities, as well as antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Unlike most sugars, raw honey does not ferment in the stomach and can actually be used in aiding stomach upset and nausea.