Caramelized Pears and Salad

Caramelized Pears and Salad
Caramelized Pears
Paula George


http://www.southernplate.com/2016/02/meal-plan-monday-recipes-link-up-2.html

                                          Pears ready for caramelizing!

5 pears, unpeeled and cored
2 Tbsp. Butter
1/4 cup pure Maple syrup...
1/4 cup Dark Rum
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup Splenda brown sugar blend or 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
zest of one Naval orange
juice of one Naval orange
2 Tbsp. dark rum
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
Stand cored pears in crockpot, I used my small 2-1/2 qt. crockpot. Combine next 6 ingredients and pour over. Sprinkle with orange zest. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. Remove pears. Whisk together orange juice, rum and cornstarch. Add to liquid and cook for 10 minutes on high until thickened. Spoon over pears and cool to room temp.

                                         Pears Caramelized!
Salad:
3 butter lettuce leaves per serving
1 caramelized pear per serving
1 oz. crumbled bleu cheese per serving
1 Tbsp. toasted walnuts per serving
2 Tbsp. sauce per serving
Place lettuce on salad plate. Set pear in middle of lettuce. Sprinkle with bleu cheese and walnuts. Drizzle with sauce and serve.

                                    Almost forgot pic of finished salad as I was anxious to try it!

Fresh Basil Pesto = Pesto Pasta

Fresh Basil on hand today...so, this came to mind...first, I made the pesto, then the pasta...although I served it to several customers and employees at the restaurant, I had it for dinner tonight...quite tasty!

Fresh Basil Pesto

3 cups fresh basil leaves packed
4 cloves minced garlic
3/4 cup walnuts or pinenuts (I used walnuts)
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

Pulse in food processor until leaves are chopped.

Drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil while pulsing.
Stir in 1 cup grated romano cheese.
Pour into container and add 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.


Pasta!

2 large shallots, minced in food processor
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 cup white Sauterne wine
2 lemons, zested and juiced
1/3 cup fresh basil pesto
1 lb. thin spaghetti cooked al dente in salted water
1/2 - 3/4 cup pasta water
Shaved Parmesan

In large skillet, saute shallots in olive oil for 5 minutes. Deglaze with white wine and cook down for 5 minutes. Add lemon zest, juice, pesto, cooked pasta and pasta water (to desired consistency). Toss together and plate in pasta bowls. Top with shaved parmesan and garnish with fresh basil.

A Moment of Life...

A moment of life springs forth...the chirping of baby birds in their nest.
The bud of a flower or tree...as we see Spring bringing forth new life.
A moment of life springs forth...a young mother carrying her firstborn child.
Her body carries a new life...as we see Spring bringing forth new life.
A moment of life springs forth...a young couple walking hand in hand.
We see the love in their eyes...as we see Spring bringing forth new life.
A moment of life springs forth...an elderly couple sits in the park talking.
Their smiles focused on one another...as we see Spring bringing forth new life.
A moment of life springs forth...the cry of a newborn baby in its Mother's arms.
Asking for nurturing on this journey of life...as we see Spring  bringing forth new life.
A moment of life springs forth...the morning sun rising to greet us this new day.
Granting us this another day of life...as we see Spring bringing forth new life.
A moment of life springs forth...Chirping birds, a young mother, a young couple,
An elderly couple, a newborn baby, the morning sun...as we see Spring bringing forth new life.
A moment of life springs forth; with each passing moment...as we see Spring bringing forth new life.

Paula George
05-08-2012

BLUEBERRY or STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup raspberry vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
4 cups fresh torn spinach
1 (4 oz) pkg blue cheese crumbled
1 cup fresh blueberries or strawberries (sliced)
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
In jar with tight fitting lid, combine first 5 ingredients and shake well. In salad bowl, toss together remaining ingredients. Add dressing and toss gently.