Spiced Honey & Halloumi Pears with Candied Walnuts

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Halve the pears lengthwise and scoop out the core using a spoon or melon baller.

   ~5 min
3. 3

   Cut the halloumi cheese into 1cm cubes.

   ~3 min
4. 4

   In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   ~8 min
5. 5

   Remove cinnamon sticks and star anise from the honey syrup.

   ~1 min
6. 6

   Place the pear halves cut-side up on the prepared baking tray. Fill the hollowed-out centers with halloumi cubes.

   ~5 min
7. 7

   Drizzle the spiced honey syrup generously over the pears and halloumi.

   ~2 min
8. 8

   Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork and the halloumi is golden brown and slightly melted.

   ~45 min
9. 9

   While the pears are baking, prepare the candied walnuts. In a dry small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the walnuts and stir to coat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar caramelizes and coats the walnuts. Be careful not to burn them.

   ~10 min
10. 10

    Spread the candied walnuts on parchment paper to cool and harden.

    ~5 min
11. 11

    Once baked, remove the pears from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving.

    ~10 min
12. 12

    Serve the spiced honey and halloumi pears warm, topped with the candied walnuts.