Tuesday, March 3, 2009

TFF - Roasted Pears With Gorgonzola

Tyler Florence has smiled upon me once more. Somehow he figured out that I hadn't had any blue cheese for months, and I had begun to crave it. But what a great way to enjoy it. Juicy pears, creamy gorgonzola and crunchy walnuts - oh Tyler! So refined! Aren't you the same laid back guy who showed me how to make those smokin' Chili Cheese Dogs? And now you throw me a curveball by breaking out the gourmet inside?! Oh I see. You're trying to win me over by showing me how well-rounded you are, that you're there for me no matter what mood I'm in. Well well well Mr. Florence, you're sneakier than I thought. You're playing me. You tease. Watch yourself there, Tyler, I'm not like those other girls. But you do have a certain way about you. I've got to hand it to you - I'm hooked!

(Peek inside Muneeba's imagination during this discourse: Against a film noir-ish setting of blacks, greys and whites, Tyler is dressed like a manly private investigator - trenchcoat, fedora, wing-tip shoes - while I am the mysterious bombshell looking to hire him ... for his culinary skills, of course!)

Roasted Pears With Gorgonzola And Walnuts (see original recipe here)
Serves 4

Ingredients:
4 Bosc pears, halved and cored, but not peeled
Extra-virgin olive oil
A few pinches of dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup crumbled good-quality blue cheese / gorgonzola
1/4 cup walnut pieces

2 tbsp honey

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.


2. Arrange the pears, cut sides up, on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, honey and sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper.



3. Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake 15-20 minutes.

4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and spoon a generous teaspoon of crumbled cheese in the center of each pear half, return the pears to the oven and roast until they are tender and the cheese is soft, about 5-10 more minutes.


5. Meanwhile, put the walnuts on another baking sheet and toast in the oven until golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Chop.

6. When the pears are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate and sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top. Serve warm.


Verdict: These were just what I had hoped for. I can proudly submit them to Tyler Florence Fridays now. The key was to get some of the pear, gorgonzola and walnut in each bite. That made it a tantalizing mix of mellow sweetness, smooth creaminess and satisfying crunchiness. I personally was a little confused what I could pair this with, so I just ended up having two or three of these pear halves for lunch! And they were fine the next day too - just had to nuke them for a few seconds in the microwave. I had zero hopes that DH would go for this, since these flavor combinations are a little foreign to him. But I should know by now not to underestimate my guy! Turns out that he really liked them - he even asked for seconds. It's not like he was starving either - I got a genuine thumbs up from him. Men are more complex than we give them credit for ... sometimes.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

This does look quite fancy, but delicious! :)

Anonymous said...

These look insanely good!

Anonymous said...

We love the combo of pears and gorgonzola! These pears look so delicious!

Sapuche said...

I just saw a new stash of pears at the market, and I think they were the Bosc variety. Looks like I'm going back tomorrow so I can make this dish. Hilarious peek inside your imagination, by the way. You've even picked out his investigator ensemble! :) Thanks for sharing this!

Anonymous said...

MMMMMM...filled pears,MMMMMMM/.... Thaks for the kind words on my 1st foodblog award, dear friend!!

Rico said...

I am so impressed and inspired by this desert, loved it, you are a great cook...furthermore good photography. :D xxx

Deb in Hawaii said...

Such beautiful photos! I love the combination and am going to have to try this one. Great pick!

NKP said...

I really have to make these soon, they have all of my favourite flavours. Wonderful dish, plated so pretty, too!

Michelle said...

Gawd..do these sound good!! I love roasted pears with cheese but I've not tried Gargonzola yet. A must try!

Femin Susan said...

my tongue's is keeping on watering doesn't know when it will stop.maybe after I make this yummy stuff it will stop watering or Cheers!again water.
Cheers!

Donna-FFW said...

Wow! This sounds wonderful. And it looks delicious! The pears must taste unbelievable roasted.

NKP said...

Clearly Tyler loves you. Why else would he be so good to you? Such a nice recipe - with all my favourite flavours. Great for any time of the day.

hannahkinley said...

I thought of making this recipe too but talked myself out of it. You did great and they look very simple and delicious.

Anonymous said...

i've tried these before too and they were delicious. they photograph beautiful, yours look great! :)

test it comm said...

What a great flavour combination!

Jenny said...

That does indeed sound like it would make a good lunch, what a great idea.

Unknown said...

Nicely paired,salty cheese and sweet pears,must taste awesome.I adore TF's ultimate recipes.

Kim said...

These looks healthy and light and would be good with a salad. I've seen Ina make these too and always wanted to try them.