Are you looking for a simple yet elegant appetizer to serve at your Christmas or New Year party? Look no further than these endive spears with pear, bleu cheese, and candied pecans. They are easy to make, delicious, and nutritious. Plus, they look stunning on a platter and are sure to impress your guests.
Endive is a leafy vegetable that belongs to the chicory family. It has a crisp texture and a slightly bitter taste that pairs well with sweet and savory ingredients. Pear adds a juicy and fruity flavor, bleu cheese adds a creamy and tangy contrast, and candied pecans add a crunchy and sweet touch. The combination of flavors and textures is irresistible.
These endive spears are also healthy and low-carb. Endive is rich in fiber, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Pear is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and phytochemicals. Bleu cheese is high in protein, calcium, and probiotics. Candied pecans are loaded with healthy fats, magnesium, and manganese. Together, they make a balanced and satisfying snack that won’t weigh you down.
You can make these endive spears in less than 30 minutes with just a few ingredients. They are perfect for a festive and elegant occasion, but also great for a casual and cozy one. You can serve them as a starter, a side dish, or a light meal. They are versatile and adaptable to your preferences and needs.
Here is how to make these endive spears with pear, bleu cheese, and candied pecans.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 4 endives (about 1 pound)
- 2 ripe pears (preferably Bartlett or Anjou)
- 4 ounces bleu cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup candied pecans (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools and Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Large platter
Recommended Products
- Organic Endive
- Bleu Cheese Crumbles
- Candied Pecans
- Raw Honey
- Organic Lemon Juice
Time Required
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Mise en Place
- Wash and dry the endives. Cut off the bottom and separate the leaves. You should have about 24 leaves.
- Wash and dry the pears. Cut them into thin slices and remove the cores. You should have about 32 slices.
- Crumble the bleu cheese if not already done. Chop the candied pecans if not already done.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Arrange the endive leaves on a large platter in a single layer.
- Place a pear slice on each endive leaf.
- Sprinkle the bleu cheese crumbles evenly over the pear slices.
- Sprinkle the candied pecans evenly over the cheese crumbles.
- Drizzle the honey-lemon dressing over the endive spears.
- Enjoy!
Serving Instructions
- Serve these endive spears cold or at room temperature.
- You can make them ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to serve. However, do not drizzle the dressing until just before serving to prevent the endive from wilting.
- You can also make the dressing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can adjust the amount of ingredients according to your taste and preference. You can use more or less cheese, pecans, honey, or lemon juice as you like.
- You can also substitute the ingredients with other fruits, cheeses, nuts, or dressings as you like. For example, you can use apple, cranberry, goat cheese, walnuts, maple syrup, or balsamic vinegar instead.
Plating and Garnishing
- To make these endive spears look more festive and appealing, you can garnish them with some fresh herbs, such as parsley, mint, or basil. You can also add some edible flowers, such as pansies, violets, or nasturtiums.
- You can also arrange these endive spears in a circular or spiral pattern on the platter, or stack them in a pyramid shape. You can also use different colors of endive, such as green, red, or purple, to create a contrast and variety.
Tips and Notes
- Choose endives that are firm, crisp, and bright in color. Avoid endives that are wilted, brown, or bruised.
- Choose pears that are ripe, juicy, and fragrant. Avoid pears that are mushy, dry, or odorless.
- Choose bleu cheese that is creamy, crumbly, and tangy. Avoid bleu cheese that is hard, dry, or bitter.
- Choose candied pecans that are crunchy, sweet, and nutty. Avoid candied pecans that are stale, soggy, or rancid.
- Choose honey that is raw, unfiltered, and organic. Avoid honey that is processed, adulterated, or artificial.
- Choose lemon juice that is fresh, pure, and organic. Avoid lemon juice that is bottled, diluted, or preserved.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving size: 1 endive spear
- Calories: 71
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 4 mg
- Sodium: 89 mg
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Protein: 2 g
Disclaimer
- This recipe is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnosis, or to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Consult your doctor before making any dietary changes or using any products mentioned in this recipe.
- This recipe may contain allergens or ingredients that are not suitable for some people. If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, please check the labels of the products used in this recipe and avoid any ingredients that may cause adverse reactions. You are responsible for your own health and safety when preparing and consuming this recipe.