Pears

Last weekend I finally picked the pears from our tree in the backyard. Dad gave me this pear tree back when I lived in my old house, but we've harvested only a handful of pears ever. This year has been super plentiful.

I've been sharing pears with everyone I know, and Hardee sent me this delicious recipe, which I'm hoping to try soon. Deb sent me the recipe below that she came across in her stash. We tried it for lunch today--delicious!

Pork Chops with Gorgonzola and Pears

Sea salt, kosher salt or salt
4 pork chops 3/4 to 1 inch thick
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored; each pear cut in 8 wedges
2 Tbsp. butter
1/4 c. dry white wine or apple juice
1/4 c. whipping cream
8 oz. creamy Gorgonzola or blue cheese, cut up
Freshly ground black pepper
Additional Gorgonzola cheese, cut in chunks (optional)

Sprinkle pork chops with salt. In a 12 inch skillet cook pork chops in hot oil over medium heat for 5 minutes. Turn chops and cook 5 minutes more or until browned and juices run clear (160 degrees). Transfer chops to serving platter. Drain fat from skillet. In same skillet cook pear wedges in butter over medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until browned, turning once. Add pears to platter. For sauce, add wine and cream to skillet. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Boil gently, uncovered, 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the 8 oz. Gargonzola; whisk until cheese is almost melted. Remove from heat. Serve with pork and pears. Sprinkle with pepper and additional cheese. Makes 4 servings.