* Reader Recipe
These lovely little sandwiches are dead ringers for my Arugula, Pear, Roquefort, and Sugared-Cashews Salad, and were brought to The Second Confidential Cooks’ Dinner by my friend Karen’s friend, Laurie. A TV-script writer here in LA, Laurie says she doesn’t cook, but…always hopeful…occasionally takes classes at Whole Foods, which is very near our homes. That’s where she learned how to make this great recipe. I love the salad we have so often, and I thought these sandwiches were such a great riff for an hors d’oeuvre…or a light lunch, perfect with Scandinavian Cold Cucumber Soup.
Ciabatta or Country-Style bread, sliced
Roquefort, Maytag or Stilton blue cheese, rind cleaned off and sliced thin
Il Tesoro Balsamic (reduced version), or your favorite balsamic glaze
Arugula, washed
Pears (or figs), washed, cut and sliced thinly
Candied walnuts (you could also try sugared cashews—here’s my recipe)
Grill bread slices, using a panini press or George Foreman-type grill. Lay bread out on serving tray, then cover each piece with blue cheese. Place pear (or fig) slices on top of cheese. Arrange arugula over pear slices. Sprinkle with walnuts. Drizzle balsamic reduction over top.
Voila!
oh my goodness. I LOVE the combo of pear and blue cheese. blue cheese is one of my favs!
By: burpexcuzme on May 18, 2009
at 3:29 pm
This looks like such a great sandwich…I love open faced sandwiches although I’d never order one on a date – way too messy!
By: Maris on May 18, 2009
at 4:07 pm
We’ve had this as a sammie before, and it’s always so good. The balsamic glaze is a tasty touch!
By: duodishes on May 18, 2009
at 4:16 pm
Delicious sandwich. Very simple using classic duo such as pear and blue cheese. Yes, I can be happy just having sandwich like this everyday for lunch!
By: elra on May 18, 2009
at 5:03 pm
What a delicious flavor combination!! I have to try these!! So yummy.
By: Reeni on May 18, 2009
at 5:32 pm
The combination of pears and cheese sounds fantastic. I think the poor pear is underrated. I love using them, especially in baked goods and especially with ginger.
Anyway, this sandwich is perfect!
By: Donna on May 18, 2009
at 6:54 pm
These look so tasty and simple – a perfect combination of ingredients. Mmmm.
By: lickedspoon on May 18, 2009
at 9:50 pm
Yum indeed, I love those flavour combinations that are excellent! Yummie!!
By: Sophie on May 19, 2009
at 1:34 am
I love the idea of an open face sandwich with this delicious salad! Pear and blue cheese and arugula are an awesome combination!
By: 5 Star Foodie on May 19, 2009
at 3:57 am
I think sandwiches like this are so fancy! And really they are quite simple. I love this classic combination of flavors.
By: RobinSue on May 19, 2009
at 7:15 am
I made this dish for one of the first potluck parties I attended here in the Midwest and was shocked when hardly anyone touched it. It was my first realization that some Midwest palates are not very similar to mine! I love the combination of flavors in the dish and now make it at home where I don’t have to share!
By: Phoo-D on May 19, 2009
at 12:58 pm
Perfect! Pears and blue (bleu!) cheese is a winnder! Wonderful!
By: Claudia Haas on May 19, 2009
at 6:02 pm
Pear, blue cheese and balsamic glaze…I can taste it already…and the pictures are so pretty. Looks really yummie!
By: Juliana on May 20, 2009
at 5:13 pm
are you shooting with flash?
Catherine, you won the book “real life” on my blog’s giveaway. If you wnat it, e-mail me so i can send it to you. nurit(@)familyfrienldyfood(dot)com
By: Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food. on May 20, 2009
at 7:37 pm
Love the pics, what a delicious sandwich.
By: Hélène on May 23, 2009
at 8:58 am
Love your Recipe! Tasteful flavor.
Thanks for sharing:)
and you can visit me if i can visit you:)
Welcome
foodcreate
By: foodcreate on May 24, 2009
at 5:45 am
Beautiful job!
By: zoe on May 24, 2009
at 10:04 am
Pears are so cooperative in taking any dish up a notch to elegance and perfect sweetness. Pears love blue cheese, and many other cheeses. Aren’t pears smart?
By: Spinach Tiger on May 25, 2009
at 8:29 am
What a perfect bite!!!
By: Jolita on May 26, 2009
at 5:54 am
One word- delicious!
By: Monica H on June 9, 2009
at 8:21 pm