Caramelized Onion & Pear Jam

It never fails that each year, as the cool weather comes around, I fall in love with all the delicious pumpkin and apple recipes. They're definitely my top two favorite foods of the season. But as much as I love pumpkin bread and bowls full of warm apple crisp, I feel that there's one cold weather fruit that is missing out on the spotlight …

Pears! Anjou, Bosc, Bartlett or Asian pears are sweet, versatile and a deliciously fun piece of fall produce. They're great in sweet desserts. And they're great in savory dishes, too. Absolutely the perfect fruit for a cold fall day and a hungry foodie.

Pears, especially Bosc pears, are exceptionally good for savory dishes. They're not overly sweet, are slightly floral, and have a texture that can withstand longer cooking times and temperatures. That's why I chose this type for my Caramelized Onion & Pear Jam. Cooked for a long time until a dark golden brown, the sweetness of the caramelized onions and the light floral flavor of the pear make for a unique and tasty jam!  

This jam is perfect on toast, paired with different cheeses and, most importantly, slathered between two slices of whole wheat bread and local brie cheese! This will be the most exciting grilled cheese you've tasted. Creamy. Crunchy. And a sweet and tangy hit from the pear and onion jam. The perfect ending to a fall day!


Grilled Brie Sandwiches With Caramelized Onion & Pear Jam

Recipe by Maria Tadic, RD

Ingredients
2 medium firm bosc pears, thinly sliced
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp + 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt and pepper
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
4 slices whole grain bread
3 oz. brie, sliced into strips

Instructions

  1. In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the onions. Saute for 10 minutes.
  2. Add in the pears, salt and pepper. Continue cooking the pear and onion mixture for another 15-20 minutes or until onions and pears are completely caramelized and a dark golden brown.
  3. Add in the honey and apple cider vinegar. Cook for another minute. Taste and adjust for seasonings.
  4. Remove jam from heat and set aside to cool.
  5. Meanwhile, heat a clean sauté pan over medium-high heat.
  6. Brush the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil evenly over 1 side of each of the bread slices.
  7. On two of the bread slices, lay on the slices of brie. Top with 3-4 tbsp of the pear and onion jam.
  8. Top with the remaining two slices of bread, oiled side up.
  9. Place sandwiches, cheese side down, in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
  10. Allow sandwiches to cool slightly before slicing.
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Maria Tadic, RD
Maria Tadic, RD, is a registered dietitian currently working in the field of Bariatric Surgery and Nutrition. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband. She's a foodie, runner, blogger and self proclaimed home chef! Read more from Maria on her blog, Bean A Foodie, or follow her on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.