Cheese drizzled with honey is a traditional Mediterranean appetizer; when mixed with fruit and nuts, it makes a tantalizing dessert.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　8 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese

　　3 tablespoons pine nuts

　　6 ounces fresh goat cheese, room temperature

　　1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped

　　2 teaspoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

　　1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

　　2 ripe but firm Bartlett pears

　　2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons flavorful honey, such as buckwheat, chestnut, or leatherwood

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the ricotta in a fine sieve set over a bowl; let the excess liquid drain, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, spread the nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in the oven until lightly browned, tossing occasionally, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate; let cool.

　　

Step 2

In a food processor or medium bowl, mix together the goat cheese and drained ricotta until creamy and thoroughly combined. Stir in the thyme, parsley, and lemon zest; set aside.

　　

Step 3

Slice each pear into 6 wedges. Divide the herbed cheese among 4 serving plates, spooning it into mounds. Arrange 3 pear wedges next to the cheese on each plate. Sprinkle with nuts; drizzle about 2 teaspoons honey over each portion of cheese and pears. Serve immediately.

　　

Fit to eat recipe

Step 4

(Per serving)

　　

Step 5

Calories: 320

　　

Step 6

Fat: 17g

　　

Step 7

Cholesterol: 37mg

　　

Step 8

Carbohydrate: 28g

　　

Step 9

Sodium: 229mg

　　

Step 10

Protein: 16g

　　

Step 11

Fiber: 2g

　　Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group.Buy the full book from Amazon.