Bread Stuffing W Pears Bacon Pecans Caramelized Onions Recipes

BREAD STUFFING W/ PEARS, BACON, PECANS & CARAMELIZED ONIONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Coat a deep, 9-by-13-inch baking pan with the butter.
• Place the bread cubes in a very large mixing bowl.
• In a 10-inch saute pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp.
• Using a slotted spoon drain the bacon and add to the bread in the bowl.
• Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the pan, reserving the extra.
• Add the onions to the pan and saute over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until soft and lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
• Sprinkle the sugar over the onions and saute, stirring constantly, until the onions turn golden and the edges caramelize, about 3 to 5 minutes.
• Add to the bread in the bowl.
• Return the pan to medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat and swirl to coat the pan.
• Add the pears and celery and saute, stirring frequently, until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
• Add pecans, rosemary, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper to taste, and saute 1 minute longer.
• Add this mixture to the bread cubes, and stir to combine.
• Add the beaten eggs and stock to the bowl, and mix well.
• Place the stuffing in the prepared pan and bake, uncovered, until the top is lightly browned and crusty, about 1 hour.

PEAR-PECAN STUFFING

Steps:

• In a large deep skillet, saute 1 each chopped onion and carrot, 2 chopped celery stalks and 1 tablespoon each sage and thyme in 1 stick butter for 5 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper and add 2 diced Bosc pears, then saute 2 minutes.
• Pour in 1/4 cup bourbon and simmer 2 minutes, then add 2 1/2 to 3 cups chicken broth. Return to a simmer until step 5.
• In a large bowl, mix 2 eggs and 1/4 cup chopped parsley.
• Add to the bowl 16 cups toasted white bread cubes, 1 cup toasted pecans and the hot broth mixture.
• Gently toss the stuffing, then spread in a buttered 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Dot the top with butter or turkey pan drippings, cover and bake 30 minutes at 350. Uncover and bake until golden, 20 more minutes.

PEARS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place walnuts on a baking sheet, and toast in the oven 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool.
• In a food processor, process 1/2 cup of the walnuts 10 seconds, until finely chopped. Remove to a bowl, and set aside. Place the remaining walnuts, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons olive oil in the food processor. Process 15 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl, and process 15 seconds more. Add 4 tablespoons olive oil, red wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon raspberry vinegar, and process 15 seconds. Transfer to a bowl, season to taste with salt and pepper, and set aside.
• In a 5-quart saucepan, bring to a boil 2 quarts water seasoned with 2 teaspoons salt. Add wheat berries and simmer 1 hour, until they are cooked but still quite crunchy. Drain, and transfer to a large bowl. Add the currants, 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar; stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Let cool 30 minutes, then stir in the reserved chopped walnuts. Set aside.
• In a large nonstick saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook 30 to 40 minutes, until golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent onions from sticking to the pan. Add 1/2 cup water to the caramelized onions, bring to a boil and then transfer onions and liquid to a large bowl.
• While the onions are cooking, combine lemon juice with 4 cups cold water in a medium bowl. Core and quarter the pears. Slice each quarter lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices, and place in the lemon water. Set aside until onions are done.
• Drain pears in a colander, rinse under cold water and shake dry. Add pears to the onions, and stir gently to combine. Season to taste with salt. Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside for 10 minutes.
• To assemble, place equal amounts of the wheat berry mixture in a ring shape on the outer edges of 4 plates. Place equal amounts of arugula inside each ring of wheat berries. Dress arugula and wheat berries with 2 tablespoons dressing. Place equal amounts of the pear-onion mixture on the arugula, then sprinkle pears and onions with 1 more tablespoon of dressing. Serve immediately.