Luscious Grilled Pears and Havarti

Grilled Pears with Havarti, Almonds, Honey and Heaven

Grilled pears are a great complement to grilled pork, sausages and even some seafood such as sea bass, tuna steak and lobster tails. They're even better when served with ice cream or frozen yogurt for dessert. The smokiness of the grill highlights pears' natural sweetness. In addition to grilled pears as a dessert, this incredible fruit can be served somewhat like a side dish, dare we say, a vegetable, when grilled with melted, creamy Havarti cheese!

Ingredients

• 6 fresh, ripe pears, Bartlett, D’Anjou or Bosc

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) brown sugar

• 1/2 cup (125 ml) coarsely chopped almonds

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) canola oil

• 7 oz (200 g) Canadian Havarti, sliced

• OPTIONAL: honey or maple syrup

Preparation (Instructions):

1.  Preheat grill to medium.
2.  Cut pears in half and remove core.
3.  Brush them with canola oil so they do not stick.
4.  Cook on grill with cut sides face down for 3–4 minutes.
5.  Turn cut sides face up, fill cavity with brown sugar and half the almonds, then garnish with Havarti and the remaining almonds.
6.  Let melt, then serve hot with drizzled honey as a topping.

Note: If you enjoy spices, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg along with the brown sugar.

Cheese alternatives: Canadian Swiss, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gouda.