Puff Pastry with Blue Cheese and Pear

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Puff Pastry with Blue Cheese and Pear, a delectable dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe pears, the tanginess of blue cheese, and the savory notes of bacon. This recipe combines the flaky goodness of puff pastry with a medley of aromatic spices, creating a delightful culinary experience that will impress your taste buds.

The star of the show is the Fourme de Montbrison, a creamy blue cheese that adds a rich and tangy note to the pastries. Encased in buttery and flaky puff pastry, this combination of flavors creates a heavenly taste sensation.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Bartlett pears
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 8 coriander seeds
• 8 Szechuan peppercorns
• 2 cloves
• 1 slice orange
• 2 ounces small bacon cubes
• 1 finger-thick slice Fourme de Montbrison, or other blue cheese, about 1/2 pound
• 1 sheet puff pastry
• Curry powder for dusting

INSTRUCTIONS:

To make Puff Pastry with Blue Cheese and Pear, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the pears: Peel, halve, and core the pears. Rub them with lemon juice to prevent browning and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sugar.
2. Prepare the poaching syrup: In a saucepan, combine cinnamon, coriander seeds, Szechuan peppercorns, cloves, remaining sugar, lemon zest, and orange slice with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Poach the pears: Add the pear halves to the boiling syrup and poach them for 5-15 minutes, or until they become tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Remove the pears from the syrup and let them cool completely.
4. Blanch the bacon cubes: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Briefly blanch the bacon cubes in the boiling water, then drain and let them cool.
5. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 4 equal 5-inch squares. Place the pastry squares on a baking sheet.
7. Assemble the pastries: On each pastry square, place a wedge of Fourme de Montbrison cheese at an angle, about an inch from the edge. Add a poached pear half on top of the cheese. Sprinkle the bacon cubes over the pear, and dust the pastries with curry powder.
8. Bake the pastries: Place the baking sheet with the assembled pastries in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
9. Serve: Remove the pastries from the oven and serve them warm. You can accompany them with a green salad dressed with walnut oil for a delicious pairing.

Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors from the blue cheese, sweet pears, and savory bacon in this puff pastry dish.

Whether served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a stunning addition to a dinner spread, these Puff Pastry with Blue Cheese and Pear delights are sure to impress your guests and elevate any occasion. The dish pairs beautifully with a refreshing green salad dressed in walnut oil, adding a crisp and complementary element to the overall experience.

Prepare to be transported to a world of culinary bliss with every bite of this exquisite puff pastry creation. Get ready to savor the combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will leave you longing for more.