Salt Roasted Pears

Tucked in a bed of salt, the pears become golden and slightly crispy. Look for firm but ripe pears for a perfect appetizer to serve with wine or after dinner with port. These are also delicious served warm on their own.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 4-8

Ingredients

• 4  Anjou pears
• 5  cups  coarse pickling salt
• 8  whole cloves
• 4  cinnamon sticks, broken in half
• 4  star anise
• 4  slices fresh ginger, cut into strips
• 2  tablespoons amaretto liqueur
• 4  ounces  brie cheese, cheese
• 1⁄2 cup  roasted almonds

Directions

1. Using a melon baller, or small spoon, scoop out the bottom and core of each pear.
2. Pour 1/2 of the salt into a deep casserole dish and push pears stem side down in salt and cover with remaining salt, leaving pear cavities open.
3. Divide cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and ginger among pear cavities. Drizzle each with liqueur. Bake in a 350F oven for about 1 hour or until tender when pierced with knife.
4. Remove pears from salt and brush any salt off. Remove spices and cut each pear into six thick slices. Serve with cheese and nuts.