A Light Continental Lunch

It's been a while since I did something creative but for Christmas I was given this wonderful book.

The Flavour Thesaurus.

And my creativity has been reignited. It shows you how to pair flavours in a way that I'd never thought about before. There are so many possibilities that having them written down makes it seem less daunting.

So today let me present you with my latest creation. 

Sautéed Pears with Wensleydale and Balsamic Dressing

Caramelised pears with balsamic vinegar are a well known Italian desert. With a particularly sweet tooth but the need for a filling and healthy lunch, mixing the pears with more savoury counterparts made the perfect dish. You may initially think the Winter Pimms part is a bit strange, but that's what happens when you are using up Christmas booze and there is no port left. However if I did it again, I would still use the Pimms.

Please excuse terrible presentation.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Pear (peeled and cut into quarters)
• A handful of trimmed Green Beans
• A slice of Sourdough Bread (toasted)
• A handful of Rocket
• A small handful of Wensleydale with cranberries (crumbled)
• 50ml Winter Pimms
• 50ml Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 50ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• A knob of butter
• Salt and Pepper

Method

1. Melt the butter in a skillet with a dash of oil to stop the butter burning. Once it has melted add the 50ml of Winter Pimms.
2. Once the Pimms and butter are bubbling well together then add the pear and green bean. 
3. Toast the bread and cut into a rectangle, place on a plate.
4. Put a handful of rocket on top of the bread.
5. Once the pears are starting to caramelise and are a golden brown on one side, flip them over for the other side. If the liquid is getting too low then add a touch of warm water.
6. In a ramekin, jug or bottle, mix the balsamic, oil and honey - shake or whisk to combine. Mix in some salt and pepper. 
7. Once the pears and beans are done, sprinkle a bit of dressing over the rocket. 
8. Place the pears on top of the rocket with the green beans scattered around.
9. Crumble the cheese over the top and sprinkle some more dressing over the dish.

This was perfect as a light lunch and surprisingly filling whilst getting 2/3 of your five a day.

A great way to start the new year - with a healthy dish that doesn't compromise on flavour