Pearl Onion Gratin With Parmesan Savory Thyme Food

ONION PARMESAN GRATIN

Steps:

• Slice the onions in half lenghwise, then cut crosswise into thin slices.
• In a large skillet melt butter, then add in onions, thyme, cloves, pepper and salt; cover with lid and saute until the onions are very soft (about 10-12 minutes) adjust the salt to taste (do not add in too much salt as the Parmesan is salty!).
• Transfer the onions to a buttered gratin dish or small casserole dish and smooth it out with a spoon.
• At this point you can cover and let sit at room temperature to broil later.
• Preheat the broiler.
• In a small bowl whisk together egg yolks and whipping cream, the stir in Parmesan cheese.
• Pour the mixture over the onions in the baking dish.
• Place under the broiler (about 2-inches from heat).
• Broil until the top is golden.
• Serve immediately.

PEAR AND RED ONION GRATIN

Steps:

• Bosc pears are strong-flavored and hold their shape when cooked, making them well suited for this savory side dish. It's a terrific accompaniment for a glazed ham or grilled sausage or most any roasted meat or poultry.;
• Fill a large bowl three-quarters full with water; add a handful of ice cubes. Cut onion into 16 wedges, place in a strainer and lower into the water. Let stand for 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400degreesF.
• Halve and core each pear; cut each half into 6 slices. Drain the onion wedges well and place them in a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish along with the pear slices, 1 tablespoon oil, thyme, salt and a grinding of pepper; toss to combine. Cover with foil.
• Roast for 30 minutes, stirring twice.
• Meanwhile, combine breadcrumbs and cheese in a small bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil; stir to combine. Remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the gratin, return to the oven and roast until the breadcrumbs are well browned, 20 to 30 minutes more. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
• Recipe Tips & Notes:
• 1. Note: We like to use the Ian's brand of coarse dry breadcrumbs, labeled "Panko breadcrumbs." Find them in the natural-foods section of large supermarkets.
• 2. To make your own breadcrumbs: Trim crusts from firm sandwich bread. Tear the bread into pieces and process in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. One slice makes about 1/3 cup. Spread the breadcrumbs onto a baking sheet and bake in a 250degreesF oven until dry and crispy, about 15 minutes.
• Recipe Nutrition:
• Per serving: 188 calories; 7 g fat (1 g saturated fat, 4 g mono unsaturated fat); 3 mg cholesterol; 29 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 4 g fiber; 225 mg sodium; 215 mg potassium
• Nutrtion Bonus: Vitamin C (15% daily value).
• 2 Carbohydrate Servings
• Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 fat

CREAMED PEARL ONIONS

Steps:

• Blanch the pearl onions by placing them into a large pot of rapidly boiling water. Cook them for about 1 minute. Remove the onions from the water with a strainer, then plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain them, then remove the skins.
• Put the onions in a 3-quart saucepan and place over low-medium heat. Add the cream, bay leaves, parsley, garlic and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Then, remove the cover and add stock. Season again. Allow to cook down for 5 minutes to tighten up the cream sauce. Discard the garlic clove and bay leaves before serving.

ONION-PARMESAN GRATIN

Steps:

• Slice the onions in half lengthwise. Place, cut side down, on a cutting board and slice crosswise into very thin slices, and set aside.
• In a large, nonstick skillet, combine the butter, cloves, onions, thyme and salt. Cover and cook over very low heat until the onions are very soft, about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• Transfer the onion mixture to a gratin dish and smooth it with the back of a spoon. The recipe can be prepared several hours in advance up to this point. Cover and store at room temperature.
• Preheat the broiler. In a small bowl, combine the egg yolks and cream and whisk together well. Stir in the cheese. Pour the mixture over the onions in the baking dish. Place the baking dish under the broiler about 2 inches from the heat. Broil until the top is sizzling and golden, about 1 to 2 minutes. Serve immediately as a vegetable course or as an accompaniment to meat dishes.