We’ve had some lovely storms lately, wild and wonderful with good, drenching rain. When they happen in the afternoon, the setting sun turns the skies into a magical canvas of light and shadow.
I love the colors in those moments, plum and magenta, peach and charcoal.
It amazes me how the sky transforms from a clear blue expanse to something out of an Old World painting.
I don’t get much work done on afternoons like this, utterly mesmerized by clouds and light and shimmering gold as the setting sun peaks out from under the storm.
As the rain fell this week, I made a dish I first tasted in Montepulciano, Italy several years ago: roasted pears with pecorino cheese. It’s one of my favorite Italian recipes because it’s simple to make yet utterly delicious.
I added fresh sprigs of thyme and as the pears roasted and cheese bubbled, the house filled with exquisite scents.
On a hot, stormy night, the cheesy pears are a lovely addition to a dinner of potato salad with capers and cold pork with beetroot chutney.
Now Bear and I are going Christmas tree hunting. Every year we choose a live fruit tree to decorate so we can add it to our orchard after Christmas. I really love decorating the tree, so we’re getting it today so we can decorate it tomorrow for my birthday. Bring on the Christmas music and iced hot chocolate!
What are you looking forward to this weekend? xo
Thyme Roasted Pears with Pecorino
Ingredients:
4 ripe pears, halved and cored
1 cup pecorino cheese, grated
sprigs of fresh thyme
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F (180C).
2. Line square baking pan with baking paper.
3. Arrange pears in pan, cut side up. Sprinkle with pecorino and sprigs of thyme.
4. Roast for 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
5. Serve warm or cold.
The storm has hit here as well keeping us indoors as rain pours from very dark and not very pretty skies! Your photos do remind me of the Old Masters and don’t you marvel in their ability to capture so accurately the colors and the look of the sky?
I hope you’re able to have a dry and cozy day in, Jackie. 🙂 Yes, I’m in utter awe of the talent of the Old Masters. They were so talented. 🙂
The skies look stunning Krista! This weekend I am looking forward to baking without interruption 🙂
Oh! That sounds so fun, Tandy. 🙂 I look forward to reading about the delicious things you make. 🙂
Oh those pictures are beautiful and i am with you I could look at the clouds forever. You two are just so lovely. hope you enjoyed decorating your tree and flicking on the lights. The pears and Pecorino sound delightful.
Aren’t the clouds just so amazing, My Kitchen Stories? We did have a lovely day together, truly. 🙂
I thought thought skies looked a little Turner-esque as I was scrolling down – simply stunning! I LOVE your idea of dressing a fruit tree every year and then planting it – what a wonderful idea 🙂
Yes, Turner-esque is an excellent description, Nancy. 🙂 We’re rather excited about our sugar plum tree. 🙂
This pears and pecorino sounds elegant and easy – my type of dish. Have you tried it with any other cheese Krista?
I haven’t yet, Jan, but I was thinking yesterday that I would experiment with goat’s cheese, and maybe even cheddar. I’ll keep you posted. 🙂
I have a friend who belongs to a wine club and is always looking for dishes to take along to the monthly meet ups. She only ever has to take one course. Do you think this would be classified as an appetiser, a side dish for a main, or after dinner?
In Italy it was served as an appetizer/side dish. 🙂
Thanks Krista. ?
I like your idea of a live tree and how after Christmas you replant it in your orchard – your orchard must be filled with happy memories. I’ve never had pears roasted like that before – they look amazing. And the images in your post are proof the sky isn’t always blue! xx
Our orchard IS full of happy memories, Charlie. 🙂 I think you’d really enjoy the pears. They’re scrumptious. 🙂
These pears are gorgeous! What a great idea. Haven’t the storms been wild?? We have missed them all, either north of us or south. The ground is getting a bit crispy but I’m glad to keep our roof.
The storms have been amazing, Maureen! Downright scary sometimes too. So very thankful for the rain, though. 🙂
Would never thought of putting pears in a savory-dish like this but it sounds fantastic!
https://crumblesandkaleblog.wordpress.com
Great cloud shots! Beautiful. Our family loves clouds so we often have moments stopping to look at beautiful cloud scenes. These pics are really striking.
I’ve never heard of this dish before but the combination of cheese and pears sounds interesting! Beautiful clouds indeed!
Love your introduction with the clouds. It’s amazing how nature can inspire us and bring the best out of us. Simple and delicious recipe…perhaps I’ll try this over the weekend:)!
The weather has been wack down our way too, certainly not as pretty as you’ve captured, more torrential down pours for hours on end stuff. This weekend I am headed to a wedding, then my Momma and I are road tripping with Little Chef to the coast for some delicious rest and relaxation in the sun. I cannot wait! 🙂 I might make your thyme roasted pears while we are away, they sound divine!
You manage to make storms look incredibly beautiful! This dish looks delicious, so warming and comforting in the bad weather 🙂
Those storm photos are incredible! And if that’s the food you serve during a storm then maybe I should find shelter at your place next time 😛