Wedge of Raclette Served with Spiced Walnuts and Pear Chips

Ingredients

  • 1    pound mild raclette cheese
Spiced Walnuts
  • 1    teaspoon black pepper
  • 1    teaspoon cayenne
  • 1    teaspoon salt
  • 1/2    cup Michigan maple syrup
  • 1    cup shelled, halved walnuts
Pear Chips
  • 2    Bartlett pears, cored and thinly sliced lengthwise
  • 1    tablespoon sugar

Directions

Spiced Walnuts: In a heavy saucepan, combine the pepper, cayenne, salt and maple syrup. Simmer over medium heat for five minutes. Add nuts and toss until they are thoroughly coated. Transfer to wax paper to cool and dry. Pear Chips: Preheat oven to 275°F. Lay pear slices on metal rack and place a cookie sheet underneath to catch the juice drips. Bake for an hour, turning the slices over every 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool. Arrange the raclette, spiced walnuts and pear chips on a serving plate with a cheese knife, and a spoon for the walnuts.