The new year inspires me. I love the holidays, but am always anxious to take down the tree and put all the decorations away. I like to start fresh with cleaned out closets and drawers, and an intention to keep clutter at bay. I love the sight of empty spaces on a new calendar. And, after cooking all the traditional family favorites, I'm ready for new recipes to try--especially if they're easy and healthy.
As I was cleaning out some old files, I came across this great little recipe from Viana La Place's cookbook, (now out of print) Verdura:Vegetables Italian Style. It's a good side dish for simple roasted pork or chicken.
Pears, Parmesan, and Celery (Pere, Parmigiano, e Sedano)
3-4 stalks of celery heart, peeled and cut into thin diagonal slices ( reserve a few of the leaves)
3 ounces of Parmigiano-Reggiano, cut into paper-thin slivers
Small handful of raw walnuts, coarsely chopped
3 large pears, ripe but firm
Extra-virgin olive oil
Fresh lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Core and slice the pears thinly. Toss with a little lemon juice to preserve their color. Arrange the pears in a serving dish, with the celery and walnut. Drizzle with a little oil and lemon juice and season gently with salt and pepper. Toss lightly and serve, garnished with the reserved celery leaves.
4 servings
I hope you enjoy putting something new on your table in this new year.
