Pear Appetizer

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• 2 USA Pears ((1 red like Anjou and 1 green like Bartlett), cored, halved, and cut into 1/4-inch slices)
• 1 large baguette (cut on an angle into 1/2-inch slices)
• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup shredded mild Spanish Manchego cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh pomegranate seeds

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat oven 375F. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil. Lightly coat with cooking spray.

2. 2

   Spread several thyme sprigs over bottom of one baking sheet. Fan pear slices over top of thyme.

3. 3

   Using two tablespoons of butter, spread butter lightly over 1 side of each bread slice and place butter-side-up on other baking sheet.

4. 4

   Melt remaining butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat until foaming subsides. Add sugar and swirl until melted and starting to brown.

5. 5

   Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Spoon mixture evenly over sliced pears.

6. 6

   Bake pears and bread for 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Arrange baked pears on top of crostini.

8. 8

   Sprinkle each with some cheese. Return crostini to oven and bake for 5 to 6 minutes or until cheese is melted.

9. 9

   Sprinkle with pepper, if desired and top with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves.