For the cheese lovers in your life, Grilled Brie with Pear and Fig Jam is an oven-free twist to baked brie, a melted, rich and buttery cheese. Fresh pear and fig jam adds sweetness and a texture that’s chewy and crunchy.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE BRIE

1 wheel Brie cheese

2 tablespoons crushed walnuts

1 loaf French baguette bread, crackers or pita chips

FOR THE PEAR AND FIG JAM

1 pear, quartered & seeded

1/2 pound black figs, halved with stems removed

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1/4 cup water

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

1/4 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

1.In a blender or food processor, combine the pear, figs, lemon juice and water. Pulse until fruits are finely diced.

2.Transfer the mixture to a medium-sized saucepan and add sugar, honey, thyme and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for 45 minutes. Pour jam into a heat-resistant jar and let cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

3.Preheat your grill to 500°F.

4.Place the brie wheel onto hot grill grates, close the lid and grill for 1 to 2 minutes. Then using a spatula, turn the wheel a quarter turn to get those cross-hatch grill marks, close the lid and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

5.Flip the cheese wheel to char on the underside, top with pear and fig jam and grill until soft, 1 to 2 minutes.

6.Remove from grill and top with crushed walnuts. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

7.Slice and serve on French baguette slices.