Friday, October 29, 2010

Asian Pear with Gorgonzola on Fig and Walnut Bread

Here it is! Our very first panini! This one was inspired by the classic pear and gorgonzola salad, which is usually topped with toasted walnuts.
Well, here at The Panini Press Blog, we like to take ideas and run with them!
To assist you in your panini endeavors are step by step photos of each ingredient as it is prepared.

Ingredients
  • 1 Asian pear
  • 1 package Gorgonzola chunk
  • 1 small loaf Fig & Walnut Bread (this one from Royal Crown Panetico in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn)
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of lemon juice
Serves 2



Gorgonzola

Asian pear


Slice pear into about 1/4 inch pieces


Place immediately in lemon juice to avoid browning


Fig & Walnut loaf



Slice and add the cheese (note: you can also use crumbled cheese) 


Top with pears that have been skinned


Drizzle with honey



Place panini on preheated medium high grill and brush with olive oil
3-5 minutes depending on the thickness of the bread


Voila!


Asian Pear with Gorgonzola on Fig and Walnut Bread Panini

The tangy, savory flavor of the Gorgonzola pairs fantastically with the sweet juiciness of the pear. The crunch of the walnut bread adds depth of flavor and substance to the panini. The honey adds a little sticky warmth to it all making it an unbeatable combination.
Although not something I have ever eaten before, it was definitely something very different and fancy!