PIZZA WITH CARAMELIZED LEEKS, PEAR AND BLUE CHEESE

Pizza With Caramelized Leeks, Pear and Blue Cheese image

Provided by Kimke

Time 25m

Yield 1 pizza, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 large leeks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons dried sherry wine
1 medium bosc pear
1 pre-cooked 12-inch pizza crust (yours or something like Boboli)
1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
1 teaspoon sweet paprika

Steps:

Trim off and discard the root ends and the dark green portion of the leeks.
Cut them in half lengthwise and discard the toughest outer layers.
Rinse thoroughly between the layers to remove any grit.
Pat the leeks dry and slice them crosswise into thin shreds.
Preheat the broiler.
Melt the butter in a heavy saute pan and add the leeks, rosemary, and salt.
Saute, stirring occasionally, until tender and nicely browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the sherry and stir until the liquid dissolves.
Slice the pear in half lengthwise and cut out the core section.
Slice each half thinly and gently toss the slices with the lemon juice.
Transfer the leeks to the pizza crust and spread them out evenly, leaving about a 1-inch border all around the outside free of topping.
Arrange the sliced pears in a single layer on top of the leeks.
Evenly distribute the blue cheese over the pears.
Sprinkle on the paprika.
Bake the pizza 4 inches from the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Cut into wedges and serve.