Pear Crostata With Honey Blue Cheese And Almonds Recipes

PEAR AND ALMOND CROSTATA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, add cream cheese, sugar, flour, 1 egg and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer until well blended and smooth. Set aside.
• Divide each package of almond paste into 4 equal portions. On a floured work surface roll each portion into a 6-inch round, about 1/8-inch thick. Put 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into the center of each round. Spread the filling out in an even layer, about 1/2-inch from the edge of the round.
• Quarter each pear and remove the core. Cut each quarter into 5 slices. Fan out 5 of the pear slices on top of the filling in the center of 1 of the rounds. Gently fold the edge of the almond paste round over the edge of the filling. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets and repeat with the remaining almond rounds, filling and pears.
• Whisk together the remaining egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl until well blended. Using a pastry brush lightly brush each crostata with the egg wash and sprinkle each with the raw sugar.
• Put the baking sheets into the oven and bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool. Serve each crostata on individual plates with a small scoop of ice cream and garnished with sliced almonds and mint.

WATERCRESS SALAD WITH DRIED FRUIT AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Make a quick vinaigrette by whisking together the vinegar, oil, and salt and pepper (or throw the ingredients into a small jar with a lid, cover, and shake). Pour the vinaigrette over the watercress and toss to coat. Garnish with the toasted slivered almonds and dried cranberries.

PEAR & BLACKBERRY CROSTATA

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and put a baking tray in the oven to preheat. On a lightly floured surface, roll out two-thirds of the pastry to a 5mm thick disc and use to line a 23cm pie tin, leaving any excess pastry to overhang. Spread the conserve onto the pastry base, then top with the blackberries and pears.
• Roll out the remaining pastry on a lightly floured surface to 5mm thick. Using a fluted ravioli wheel, cut the dough into 12 x 23cm strips. To lattice the pastry, place a pastry strip horizontally on top of the pie, then lay a strip vertically, repeating to create a woven pattern. For an easier topping, simply arrange half the strips at 2cm intervals across the top of the pie. Repeat crosswise with the remaining strips. Seal and trim any excess pastry.
• Place the crostata on the hot baking tray on the lowest shelf and bake for 40 mins. Set aside for 15 mins to cool then dust with icing sugar.