Viva Madrid Red Wine Pear and Blue Cheese Toasts
Elevate your appetizer game with these exquisite Viva Madrid Red Wine Pear and Blue Cheese Toasts—a sophisticated fusion of bold flavors and elegant textures. Sweet, tender pears are poached to perfection in a luscious red wine mixture infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and thyme, then paired with the creamy tang of blue cheese atop crisp olive oil-brushed baguette slices. A drizzle of honey and a touch of syrupy reduced wine create a harmonious balance of savory and sweet, while fresh thyme adds a pop of herbal freshness. Perfect for dinner parties or as a gourmet snack, this recipe combines classic Spanish-inspired ingredients with a modern twist for a truly unforgettable bite. Ready in just under an hour, these toasts are a stunning centerpiece for any table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Firm pears
- 500 ml Red wine (dry, like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 75 grams Granulated sugar
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme
- 1 piece Baguette
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 100 grams Blue cheese (such as gorgonzola or Roquefort)
- 2 tablespoons Honey
Instructions
Peel the pears, cut them in half, and core them using a spoon. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine red wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, and half of the fresh thyme. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Place the pears in the saucepan and ensure they are submerged in the wine mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20–25 minutes, flipping the pears occasionally, until they are tender but not mushy.
Remove the pears from the wine and set them aside to cool. Continue simmering the wine over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until reduced to a syrupy consistency. Discard the cinnamon stick and thyme sprigs.
While the wine reduces, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the baguette into 12 thin slices. Brush each side lightly with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Once the pears are cool, slice them thinly.
To assemble, spread a small amount of blue cheese onto each toasted baguette slice. Top with a few slices of wine-poached pear.
Drizzle each toast with a small amount of the reduced wine syrup and a small drizzle of honey.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2544 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.9 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.9 g | 119% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 75 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 3322 mg | 144% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 351.7 g | 128% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.7 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 164.1 g | ||
| Protein | 58.1 g | 116% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 805 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 16.4 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 1723 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
