Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza

Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza: A Symphony of Sweet and Savory

This unique pizza combines the sweetness of ripe pears with the bold, tangy flavor of Gorgonzola cheese, creating a delightful contrast that will tantalize your taste buds. The addition of crispy prosciutto and a drizzle of honey elevates this pizza to a gourmet experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• 150g Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 100g mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50g prosciutto, torn into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 30cm (12 inches) in diameter.
3. Brush the dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, leaving a 1cm border around the edge.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the oiled surface.
5. Arrange the pear slices in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping each other.
6. Scatter the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese over the pears.
7. Distribute the torn prosciutto pieces evenly across the pizza.
8. Sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves over the top.
9. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
10. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (use a pizza peel if you have one).
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute.
13. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the honey over the pizza.
14. Slice and serve immediately.

Things to avoid:

• Don’t use overripe pears as they can make the pizza soggy.
• Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings, as this can prevent the crust from cooking properly.
• Don’t skip preheating the oven, as a hot oven is crucial for a crispy crust.
• Avoid using pre-shredded mozzarella, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

Alternatives:

• If Gorgonzola is unavailable, use blue cheese or a strong, creamy cheese like Roquefort.
• Replace prosciutto with bacon bits or pancetta for a similar salty flavor.
• If pears are out of season, try using thinly sliced apples instead.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the prosciutto and add some chopped walnuts for crunch.

Topping recommendations:

• A handful of fresh arugula leaves added after baking for a peppery kick
• A balsamic glaze drizzle for added sweetness and acidity
• Chopped pistachios or pine nuts for extra crunch
• Caramelized onions for additional sweetness and depth of flavor

This Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the pears complements the pungent Gorgonzola, while the prosciutto adds a salty contrast. The honey drizzle at the end ties everything together with a touch of sweetness. Enjoy this gourmet pizza as a unique appetizer or main course!