Pear and Blue Cheese Flatbread

Maytag is a blue cheese produced by Maytag Dairy Farms from the milk of prize-winning herd of Holstein cattle. In 1938, Iowa State University developed a new process for making blue cheese from homogenized cow’s milk instead of the traditional sheep’s milk.  The farm located outside Newton, Iowa has been making this handcrafted cheese since 1941 using traditional methods of curing.   Maytag is a blue cheese produced by Maytag Dairy Farms from the milk of prize-winning herd of Holstein cattle. In 1938, Iowa State University developed a new process for making blue cheese from homogenized cow’s milk instead of the traditional sheep’s milk.  The farm located outside Newton, Iowa has been making this handcrafted cheese since 1941 using traditional methods of curing.

Maytag Blue cheese is ripened over six months during which it develops a dense, crumbly texture and semi-sharp flavor. Every bite of Maytag melts in the mouth releasing a slightly tangy flavor with a lemony finish. With its pungent odor, the cheese might not suit everyone’s tastes. It adds lots of flavor when crumbled into salads, spread on a flatbread or melted onto a burger.The classic combination of pears, walnuts and blue cheese shines in these delightful, easy flatbreads.

Ingredients 
Total Time: 25 minutes; 15 minutes active
Serves  4-6

  • 4 small pitas or 2 lavash, cut in quarters or halves
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil1 pear, cored and thinly sliced
  • 8 oz blue cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tsp minced fresh sage
  • 2 Tbsp coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 2 c arugula, washed
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Black pepper

Heat the oven to 450°F. Place the pita or lavash pieces on a large sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Spread the pear slices evenly on top, sprinkle with blue cheese, sage and walnuts. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven.

While the flatbreads are baking, toss the arugula with the balsamic vinegar. Top the hot flatbreads with the dressed greens, sprinkle with black pepper and serve.

Serving Suggestion
Serve as an appetizer course, or with a hearty bowl of soup on a chilly evening. The combination of pears with walnuts and blue cheese is a classic! Substitute fresh spinach for the arugula if you prefer.

Recipe developed by National Co+op Grocers, a business services cooperative for natural food co-ops.