Pear and Gorgonzola Crostini

It’s pear season and I’m pretty excited about it!  I love shopping at Sprouts because I can find quality ingredients and unique fruits that I may not have tried before. Sprouts had several types of pears right now, but this Asian Pear was new to me…..so I had to give it a try. And I’m glad I did!  I loved how this pear variety was different than the pears I've had before.  The texture was different, more like an apple, it was also more crunchy than a typical pear, and the flavor was delish.

Pears are a perfect winter fruit and are great awesome added to your favorite baked dishes, savory meals, or simply enjoyed sliced as I did here.

These were so good I had to create this easy, festive crostini recipe. And I have to tell you, it's my favorite crostini recipe I've made this year...and that's saying something!

Oh, but before the recipe, here are a couple of notes that will make you feel good eating this crostini!

• Pears are rich in copper, folate, manganese, potassium and vitamin K. So feel GOOD about making these little beauties.

• When selecting pears, you normally gently press your thumb at the neck to test for ripeness: the more give you feel, the riper the pear is. But with this variety, the Asian pear is ripe when it's firm, not when it becomes more pliable to the touch.

• Store pears at room temperature until they reach optimal ripeness, then refrigerate.

Ok, on to the deliciousness! Pear Gorgonzola Crostini!

Sponsored by my friends at Sprouts!

appitizers

Yield: 24 pieces

Author: Lauren Lane

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Pear and Gorgonzola Crostini

Sweet juicy Asian pears, salty Gorgonzola, smooth, tangy Marmalade, and crunchy crostini, it’s a combination made in heaven!

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 5 MinTotal time: 20 Min

Ingredients

• 1 French baguette (I used multigrain)
• 1/3 cup Marmalade or other jam
• 4 ounces crumbled gorgonzola cheese (I used Sartori Gorgonzola Dolcina)
• 3 ounces softened butter
• 4 Asian pears (sliced thin)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 3 sprigs of thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the baguette into 24 ½ inch thick slices. (save the remaining baguette for another use)
2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy clean-up, if desired. If your baking sheet is smaller than mine, you may need to make the toast in two batches.
3. Place the slices in a single layer on your baking sheet and bake them on the middle rack for 6 to 9 minutes, until they’re crisp and nicely golden on top. All ovens are different so watch, that they don’t burn. Remove from the oven.
4. In a small bowl, combine the Marmalade and butter until smooth. You may need to quickly heat the Marmalade (depending on its temperature and type) in the microwave for 15-30 seconds.
5. Crumble the gorgonzola.
6. Spread the marmalade mixture onto the toasts.
7. Top with the gorgonzola crumbles, pears, and then dried cranberries.
8. Place on a platter. Garnish with thyme and any leftover gorgonzola and cranberries if desires. Enjoy!

Calories

110.86

Fat (grams)

4.64

Sat. Fat (grams)

2.78

Carbs (grams)

15.56

Fiber (grams)

1.26

Net carbs

14.30

Sugar (grams)

7.55

Protein (grams)

2.62

Sodium (milligrams)

161.11

Cholesterol (grams)

11.16

https://www.lauren-lane.com/blog/peargorgonzolacrostini

© Lauren Lane

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