“birthday week” continues…

Today is my gorgeous girlfriend, Jen’s, birthday. I cannot begin to express how much I love this amazing woman; she is my rock, my soul-mate sister, my “on-demand” comedian, and my friend.  She can make me laugh like nobody’s business! She is there through thick and thin and is a loving friend, mother, wife, sister, aunt, and daughter. Whenever I have something to share, complain about, need help, advice, or just want to chat, Jen is the first person I call.

The one really awful thing about Jennifer? She lives 1,400 miles from me (as the crow flies). Happy birthday, Jenny Jen, I forgive you for that one awful thing and love you unconditionally!

For the rest of the week, I will highlight and share recipes from Jen, who is coincidentally, a great cook, or recipes of mine that are favorites of hers. Today’s recipe is a fun and quite a rich appetizer pizza that is perfect for upcoming holiday parties.

My girl, Jen

Jenny’s Sweet Ciabatta Pizza

1 cup pecans, toasted
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
8-ounce loaf ciabatta halved horizontally
6 ounces Havarti cheese, thinly sliced
3 ounces thin slices prosciutto, cut into strips
2 pears, quartered, cored, and thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola
1 cup arugula leaves

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Blend pecans, oil, honey, and thyme in a food processor until nuts are finely chopped.  Season with salt and pepper.

Place bread halves on a baking sheet.  Spread each half with the nut mixture.  Top with Havarti and bake until bubbly and golden, about 12 minutes.

Remove from oven and top with prosciutto, pears, and Gorgonzola.  Tuck arugula around the pears, slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 8