Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4 as a first course or cheese course

　　2 firm-ripe Bosc pears

　　1 tablespoon coarse freshly ground black pepper

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

　　about 1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled

　　Fried Sage Leaves

　　

Step 1

Halve pears lengthwise and core. Cut pears lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices and sprinkle on both sides with pepper.

　　

Step 2

In a large non-stick skillet heat 1 tablespoon butter over moderately high heat until foam subsides and sauté half of pear slices on both sides until golden brown, about 3 minutes total. With a spatula transfer sautéed pears to a plate and drizzle with half of lemon juice. Sauté and drizzle with remaining pear slices in same manner.

　　

Step 3

Divide pears among 4 plates. Sprinkle pears with blue cheese and serve with fried sage leaves.