Pear-Gorgonzola Tart

A great source of fiber and vitamins, granola teams up perfectly with sweet juicy pears and the creamy, pungent taste of gorgonzola.

Recipe Ingredients:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups granola
2 Bartlett pears
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon chopped chives
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
3 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, melt 4 tablespoons butter in the microwave. Using a food processor, grind the granola into fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and process until the mixture has the consistency of wet sand. Press evenly over the bottom and 1/2-inch up the sides of a 9 1/2-inch tart pan. Bake until dry, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
2. Meanwhile, peel and core the pears and cut lengthwise into wedges. In a medium skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the pears and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and barely tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the cream cheese with the cream. Add 2 teaspoons chives and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture into the crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle the gorgonzola on top. Fan the pear slices over the cheese in a circular pattern. Garnish with the remaining 1 teaspoon chives. Serve at room temperature.

Makes 4 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Every Day with Rachael Ray, February 2008, www.rachaelraymag.com.