Recipe of the Week: Pear Pizza With Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto

The pear tree in the yard is producing some great fruits these days, but it's kind of a case of too much of a good thing. I had to find some new ways to use all these pears, so I checked with the California Pear Advisory Board.

Pears can be a great snack or dessert, but how about as a main dish? I found a recipe for a pear pizza with caramelized onions and prosciutto, which fit the bill perfectly.

Bartlett pears are appearing in the local farmers markets now, but make sure you buy organic to avoid any potentially harmful chemical sprays that might be on the fruit.

Visit your local farmers market to see which fruits and vegetables are in season locally and let that inspire you in the kitchen. Check out the Larkspur farmers market at Marin Country Mart every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon, and the Corte Madera farmers market at the Town Center every Wednesday, from noon to 5 p.m.

California Bartlett Pear Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 medium size, ripe California Bartlett pears, cored and sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped prosciutto
• 1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

Directions

Preheat oven to 450° F.

Melt butter in a large skillet. Add onions and cook over medium low heat, stirring frequently, for 25 minutes, or until onions are very soft and golden brown. Add sugar and cook for 5 minutes more.

Top your favorite pizza crust with equal amounts of mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions, pears, prosciutto, and Parmesan cheese. Bake for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown. Top with thyme and let cool slightly.

Cut into wedges, serve and enjoy.

— Recipe courtesy of the California Pear Advisory Board

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