Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 ripe pears, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled Stilton cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Grease the baking dish with butter.
3. Arrange the pear slices in the baking dish.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Stilton cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
5. Pour the Stilton mixture over the pears.
6. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pears are tender.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 220
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Blue cheese can be substituted for Stilton cheese.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream.
Variations:
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the breadcrumb topping.
- Use sliced apples instead of pears.
- Add a drizzle of honey over the top before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the pears are thinly sliced so they cook evenly.
- Use a high-quality Stilton cheese for the best flavor.
- Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the gratin in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or crusty bread would be a great side dish.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the top is browning too quickly, cover the gratin with foil for the remaining cooking time.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the pears are fully cooked before serving.
Food history:
The combination of pears and blue cheese has been a popular flavor pairing for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
The sweet and juicy pears pair perfectly with the tangy and creamy Stilton cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or side dish for a dinner party.
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Region: English