Appetizer Recipe: Pear, Prosciutto & Gorgonzola Tart

Sometimes a few unlikely items in your fridge can add up to one scrumptious meal. This tart is the perfect example. If you've got prosciutto and pears in the fridge, you're in luck. The sweet, delicate flavor of this fruit perfectly complements the savory prosciutto on a tart. Throw in some creamy gorgonzola, and your tastebuds are in for a real treat. 

This sensational combination of salty & sweet has been all the rage lately in restaurants. Cheeses like gorgonzola or goat cheese are crumbled on top of pizzas and sandwiches with sliced pears or apples and a few slices of prosciutto to top it off. There's a reason people can't get enough of this trio. Try making this simple tart and you'll understand!

Pear, Prosciutto & Gorgonzola Tart

(Makes 4-6 servings)

Ingredients:

Pie shell (store-bought is fine!)
4 ounces cream cheese 
2 ounces Gorgonzola 
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 
Pinch of salt 
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper 
2 tablespoons butter 
3 small pears, cored and sliced 
2 ounces prosciutto, cut into thin strips

 

 

Directions:

1. Bake pie shell according to directions and remove from oven to cool.

2. Combine the cream cheese, Gorgonzola, thyme, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Recommended: use a hand mixer to thoroughly combine cheeses.

3. Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Place pears on skillet and cook for about five minutes or until golden.

4. Spread the whipped cheese mixture over the tart crust once it is cooled. Cover with pear slices placed in a decorative pattern, and finish off with a sprinkle of prosciutto strips on top.

5. Slice the tart into wedges and enjoy!

Comfort Food Recipe: Baked Mac 'n Cheese with Prosciutto

Here's a delicious twist on a family favorite. Try boosting the flavor in tradition mac & cheese by adding prosciutto. Make no mistake: this is one rich recipe. But when you're craving comfort food, it's got the perfect cheesy/tangy flavor combo that you won't be able to resist.

This particular variation calls for Gruyère and parmesan cheese, but feel free to experiment with other types to suit your tastes. We love the fact that there's even a tad bit of nutmeg in here. Who would've imagined this unlikely mixture of flavors could meld so perfectly together! 

Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Prosciutto 

(makes 6 servings)

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces small elbow macaroni (2 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups (packed) grated Gruyère cheese 
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, coarsely chopped
• 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:

1. Position rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 400°F. Butter 11x7-inch glass baking dish.

2. Cook macaroni. 

3. Meanwhile, whisk 1/2 cup Gruyère, cream, milk, prosciutto, Parmesan and nutmeg in large bowl to blend.

4. Once macaroni are cooked, toss them in the sauce until well coated. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup Gruyère over. Bake until cheese melts and macaroni and cheese sets, about 20 minutes.

6. Serve warm. Enjoy!