California Bartlett Pear, Caramelized Walnut and Cheese Plate

1 lb walnut pieces (preferably halves)
1 tbsp molasses
3 tbsp honey
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt

3 ripe but firm California Bartlett pears, cored and sliced into eighths
1/2 lb blue cheese (preferably a Gorgonzola or Stilton)

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray paper with non-stick cooking spray.

In a small saucepan, bring 3 to 4 cups water to a boil. Pour walnuts into water and boil for 7 minutes. Immediately drain the nuts in a colander and set aside.

Place the molasses, honey, sugar and salt in a 2 1/2-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the walnuts and stir continuously with a wooden spoon until all of the liquid mixture has coated the nuts, about 4 to 5 minutes. Pour the nuts onto the prepared cookie sheet and place in the oven.

Bake for approximately 12 minutes, turning every 4 minutes or so, until nuts turn a medium-brown, toasty color (be careful not to let them burn). Remove from oven and pull parchment paper off cookie sheet onto a counter or table so nuts can cool more quickly.

When cool, break up nuts and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Nuts can also be frozen for several months.

Serve walnuts with pear slices and blue cheese on a medium-sized platter.

Makes 6 appetizer or dessert servings
Source: The California Pear Advisory Board