Bleu Cheese Mousse with Toasted Walnuts and Fresh Pears

A rich and creamy cheese spread that features two of our favorite Fall ingredients

Created by Marilyn Harris – Food Industry Consultant, Cookbook Author & Radio Talk Show Host

1 cup GoldRiver Orchards Walnut halves
2 tablespoons toasted walnut oil
3 tablespoons bourbon or cognac
8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
8 ounces bleu cheese, room temperature
Dash hot sauce
2 cups heavy cream, chilled
Dash sea salt
4 or 5 ripe, but firm, pears, peeling left on, cored and sliced, lengthwise, into thin slices

Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toss with the walnut oil to coat.

Toast in a 350 F oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool.

Process the cheeses together in the food processor until creamy and fluffy.
Season with hot sauce.

Beat the cream with the salt until very stiff. Fold together the cheese mixture and the whipped cream until blended. Pile into the center of a serving plate.

Arrange the walnuts on the mousse. Surround with the pear slices.

Serve spread onto the pear slices.