PEAR BUREAU NORTHWEST SEEKS FRESH INSPEARATION

Culinary Pros Encouraged to Submit Original Recipes for Annual Pear Panache Program

PORTLAND, Ore. – June 1, 2009 – From the tiny, ultra sweet Seckel to the tall, pronounced Bosc, Northwest pears have long inspired culinary artists. Pear Bureau Northwest, the non-profit marketing organization established to promote fresh USA Pears, is scouring the country and asking culinary professionals – from pastry chefs to short order cooks, sous chefs to bartenders – to share their inspearation by submitting original pear recipes.

Pear Panache is an award-winning chef recognition campaign designed to recognize culinary professionals who demonstrate the most flair with the pear. The top pear recipes and their culinary masterminds will be honored in the fourth annual Pear Panache program.

“With 10 distinct pear varieties grown in the Northwest, offering a multitude of colors, textures and flavors, the recipe possibilities are endless,” said Kevin Moffitt, president/CEO, Pear Bureau Northwest. “We look forward to seeing the new ways pears are being used in restaurants, bakeries and bars – we can’t wait to see what the pros come up with this season.”

Each year, Pear Bureau Northwest honors seven professionals and their original pear recipes on its Web site: PearPanache.com . The Web site will showcase a different chef and their recipe every month from September 2009 – March 2010. Winning chefs will be awarded $1,000 and be featured in national publicity and media opportunities. Additionally, all professionals who submit a recipe will receive a pear prize package, including a pear slicer and a collection of recipe cards.

To be considered for Pear Panache recognition, visit PearPanache.com to complete an online entry form and submit original recipes. All recipe categories, including Appetizer, Salad, Entrée, Dessert and Drink (alcoholic or nonalcoholic) are encouraged, and there is no limit to the number of recipes that an individual can submit. Recipes will be reviewed to ensure their usability for everyday home chefs, and graded on flavor, originality, use of other seasonal ingredients, and visual appeal. Entry deadline is July 31, 2009.

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About Pear Bureau Northwest and USA Pears

Pear Bureau Northwest is the non-profit marketing organization established in 1931 to promote the fresh USA Pears grown in Washington and Oregon. Together, these two states represent 1,600 growers and 84 percent of the nation’s fresh pear production. The Bureau also develops national and international markets for Northwest pear distribution. For more information, visit www.usapears.org .

Contact:

Cristie Mather

Communications Manager

Pear Bureau Northwest

cmather@usapears.com

(503) 652-9720

Pear Bureau Northwest prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, political beliefs, or disability.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the Pear Bureau at (503) 652-9720.