Gorgonzola Pear Cheeseball / Dip

I was asked to make a cheeseball for an activity. I have many recipes that I like but I wanted something different. I had been to a cooking class where they had a Gorgonzola Pear Salad that we fell in love with. I had recently made it and had some left over ingredients so I go on line and found a recipe, made a few minor changes and this is now our new favorite cheeseball / dip.

1 firm pear, peeled, seeded and cubed
splash of olive oil
8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
3/4 c Gorgonzola cheese crumbles (you may also use blue cheese)
1 Tbsp grated onion
1/2 c craisins or dried cherries, chopped
toasted pecans or hazelnuts, chopped (optional)

1. Heat oven to 400 put pears in shallow baking dish. drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 10 - 15 minutes. Drain off juices and mash.
2. Cream together cream cheese and Gorgonzola cheese. Add pears, onion and craisins. Mix until well blended.
3. Top with nuts.

You can make it without roasting the pear and omit the nuts if necessary.