September 2010
What to Do with Pears?
The pears in our small orchard here at Johnson Estate are just ripening. All right, I'll admit it, I was fascinated by the idea of an espaliered lane of pear trees and planted three kinds: Bartlett, Bosc, and Seckel. I did not really concern myself then, of course, of dealing with the abundance of pears once they started fruiting! Well, that day has arrived and here are a few ideas - some quite simple, combining the natural affinity of pears and cheese with wine (Johnson Estate, of course), plus a salad recipe from a best friend who serves it at Thanksgiving and uses our Johnson Estate Port.
1. Bosc Pears with White Cheddar Cheese: Serve with Johnson Estate's Freeling Creek Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Bosc Pears with Parmesan Reggiano: Serve with Johnson Estate's Freeling Creek Estate Riesling (pictured above)
3. Anjou Pears with Soft Goat Cheese: Serve with Johnson Estate's Seyval Blanc (aromatic like a Sauvignon Blanc)
4. Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese and Arugula: These lighted sweetened baked pears and salty Stilton offer the perfect complements to the complex, peppery flavor of arugula. Click here to see full recipe.
