Peppered Pears, Blue Cheese and Fried Sage

Instructions

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

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.

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

Fried Sage Leaves

• 3 cups vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh sage leaves
• coarse salt to taste

In a heavy saucepan heat 1 inch oil to 365°F. on a deep-fat thermometer. Working quickly, fry sage leaves, 5 at a time, 2 seconds, transferring with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Immediately sprinkle sage leaves with coarse salt.
Makes about 1/2 cup.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.