Baby Cheesecakes with Toffee Pears

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line eight 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with foil or paper bake cups, or lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

2. For crust, in a small bowl stir together oats, the 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, the 1/4 cup brown sugar, and the 3 tablespoons melted butter. Spoon about 2 rounded tablespoons of oat mixture into each prepared muffin cup. Using the bottom of a narrow glass, press down lightly. Bake about 8 minutes or until light brown. Cool slightly on a wire rack. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F.

3. For filling, in a medium bowl beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add egg; beat just until combined. Stir in the 1/2 cup blue cheese and the sour cream.

4. Spoon 1 well-rounded tablespoon of filling into each muffin cup. Bake about 20 minutes or until slightly puffed and set. Cool about 30 minutes. Remove from muffin cups. Place on a tray, cover, and chill for 2 to 24 hours. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

5. For toffee pears, in a large skillet melt the 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the 1/2 cup brown sugar and the cream. Cook and stir until bubbly; add pears. Cook about 5 minutes or until pears are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Cool slightly.

6. To serve, remove foil or paper liners from cheesecakes. Place cheesecakes in eight dessert dishes. Spoon pear mixture around cheesecakes. Sprinkle with the 1/4 cup toasted walnuts and additional blue cheese. If desired, garnish with orange peel curls.