Pears, Pears, Pears, Pear, Avocado and Parmesan Bruschetta

Yes it is pear time! They are ripening beautifully on the trees in my local orchard and with autumn closing in, new seasons pears and apples are flooding the markets.  It's a time to really enjoy these wonderful fruits.

Pears have so many personalities. They can be sweet and 'tarted' up with sugar and chocolate (see my post under Chocolate and Pear Tart ), and with pastry and eggs. They can be mean and savoury in a chutney or pickle or quite refined with a cheese board. 

There's nothing to dislike about pears. Did you know that it was the Romans that first cultivated the pear, and brought it to Europe - as they did with so many other things! Those amazing Romans, is there anything they didn't do?? Although they have been grown in China for around 3000 years.

All pears are low GI, have about 22 calories each, contains vitamin B2, C and E, copper, iron and potassium. And they are delicious to eat just by themselves.
There are many different kinds of pears and each are treated differently in the kitchen, so it is best to find out from your fruit seller which pears are suitable for your recipe. 



So why am I waffling on about pears today? I want to introduce you to one of my favourite fast recipes - Pear, Avocado and Parmesan Bruchetta. A great entree or lunch dish in 5 minutes.

AVOCADO, PEAR AND PARMESAN BRUSCHETTA

INGREDIENTS - Serves 2 people

1 avocado peeled and mashed

2 pears cored and sliced

shaved parmesan

4 slices of sour dough bread

salt and pepper

rocket or lettuce for garnish

squeeze of lemon

• Toast the bread
• In a small bowl mash avocado. Add a squeeze of lemon, salt and freshly ground black pepper 
• Spread toast with mashed avocado, top with 2 or 3 slices of pear. Give another squeeze of lemon to the pear to stop it browning.
• Top the pear with shave parmesan and add rocket or shredded lettuce. You can serve with some extra lemon quarters.

Its as simple as this, now eat it and enjoy it.