Herbed cheese with pears, pine nuts, and honey

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

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

SERVES 4