Camembert Baked with Honey and Walnuts Served with Apple and Pear Slices

One 8-ounce Camembert in a wooden box with a wooden lid, well chilled (See note.)
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp cider vinegar
1/4 tsp grainy Dijon mustard
1/2 large Honey Crisp or other firm, crisp apple
1/2 ripe pear
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 cup walnuts, roasted and chopped (See note.)
Fresh sage sprigs for garnish

1. Arrange a rack at center position and preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Remove the Camembert from the box and discard the paper enclosing the cheese and any labels on the cheese. With a sharp knife held horizontally, cut off the thin top rind of the cheese and discard it. Return cheese to its box, cover with the lid, and place on the baking sheet.

2. Bake until the cheese is melted and creamy, 16 to 18 minutes. Check to see if the cheese has melted by removing the lid with potholders or tongs. Some of the cheese may start to ooze out of the box onto the baking sheet towards the end of the baking time. That’s okay; the cheese will be transferred in its box to a plate.

3. While the cheese is in the oven, whisk together the honey, vinegar, and mustard and set aside. Then core but do not peel the apple and pear. Cut each half lengthwise into 1/4- inch thick slices. Toss the slices with the lemon juice in a medium bowl.

4. When cheese is done, use a metal spatula to slide the cheese in its box onto a serving plate. Remove the lid (which sometimes comes unglued during the baking) and discard. Sprinkle the walnuts over the cheese. Drizzle the honey glaze over the nuts. Surround the Camembert with apple and pear slices plus several clusters of sage. To eat, spread some warm cheese on apple or pear slices. Serves 4 to 6.

Notes:
Cheese and specialty food stores and some supermarkets (such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s) sell Camembert packaged in a wooden box. President is a French brand I particularly like.

To toast walnuts, spread on a rimmed baking sheet and roast in a preheated 350 degree oven until lightly browned. 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and cool to room temperature.