Category Archives: Holidays

5 Grilled Pear Recipes to Rock Your Summer

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turkey burger grilled pear sliders

Few things say summer like cooking over fire (or propane if that’s your thing). There’s just something magical about the simplicity of food cooked on an open flame that lends itself to warm weather and hanging out with friends. Of course, we can always count on the staples like hot dogs and hamburgers, but sometimes it’s fun to get a little adventurous on the grill. Fruits and vegetables are wonderfully complemented by a slight char and a kiss of smoke, whether skewered alongside protein on a kabob or grilled on their own. Sweet and juicy pears are a surprisingly versatile ingredient both on their own and as part of other dishes. If you’re looking to mix things up and pop some pears on the grill this summer, these five recipes are guaranteed to make you a hero at the next Continue reading →

Celebrate Pear Love During American Heart Month

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With an occasion like Valentine’s Day, there’s no better month to celebrate the heart than February. Embracing heart-healthy habits this Valentine’s season can translate to a lifetime of improved wellness, and one is as simple as eating more of a delicious food you enjoy – pears! According to the American Heart Association, many factors contribute to heart disease, including your diet, activity level, age, and genetics. However, eating more produce may help fend off a heart attack or stroke. Pears in particular are an excellent source of fiber and a good source of immune-supporting Vitamin C – both key nutrients linked to heart health. With 6 grams, one medium pear provides nearly a quarter of the daily recommended fiber intake. Including more pears in your diet – especially Green Anjou, Red Anjou, Bartlett and Bosc pears, which have all been Continue reading →

12 Creative Ways to Poach a Pear

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How many ways can you poach a pear? There may not be a set answer when you consider that the pear-ssibilities are endless. The classic go-to seems to be red or white wine poached pears, which is definitely one of the prettiest and most decadent ways to poach. But when it comes to poaching, sometimes it’s worth it to think outside the pear box. Besides wine, pears can be poached in cider, bold and flavorful beers like stouts and Belgian ales, and even espresso, among other liquids. Restaurants love to impress diners with beautifully poached pear dishes because, besides being delicious, they are visually striking. Even though poached pears may look challenging to make, most recipes are easier than you might think. December is National Pear Month and the time of year when all ten varieties of Northwest pears are Continue reading →

10 Pear Cocktails to Brighten Your Holiday Spirit

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Hailed as a “gift of the gods” by the Greek poet Homer in his epic The Odyssey, the venerable pear has graced civilizations for more than four thousand years. For a chunk of that time, crafty folks have been incorporating the fruit into their alcoholic beverages. Like other fruits, pears are a delicious and creative ingredient, and it’s no surprise that mixologists jump at the chance to include them in their libations. Even though there are plenty of reasons to eat pears for their nutritious value, there are also reasons incorporate pears into more fun parts of the menu. Whether muddled, juiced, mixed, pureed, shaken or stirred, pears present countless possibilities as a cocktail ingredient. Because it’s the holiday season as well as pear season – not to mention National Pear Month – we figure there’s no better time to Continue reading →

Pear Waldorf Salad

Andrea Slonecker By on

During those weeks between the holidays at this time of year, a crunchy, fresh salad with a wintery undertone is just what we crave. The Waldorf Salad may be traditionally made with apples, but we love it with the soft, seductive sweetness of ripe pears. Instead of gloppy mayonnaise, we toss crisp celery and fennel, toasted walnuts, grapes, and those succulent pears with Greek yogurt for a tangy take. Fresh herbs and sunflower seeds add texture and a modern feel. Serve the salad spooned into butter lettuce or radicchio leaves, or scoop it up with warm pita bread for a light and simple lunch. Serves 4 to 6 Ingredients: 2 ripe USA Red Anjou Pears, cored and cut into 1/2-inch chunks 1 small fennel bulb, trimmed, reserving fronds, cored, and sliced 3 ribs celery with leaves, stalks sliced and leaves Continue reading →

Here’s How to Celebrate National Pear Month!

Kathy Smart By on

There is a whole month to celebrate pears? Why yes, yes there is! Personally, I believe pears should be celebrated ALL year long, but I especially celebrate the bounty of pears in December when it is National Pear Month. As a nutritionist with 20 years of experience under my belt, I have found few foods that bring me as much joy and energy as a pear. They are versatile when it comes to cooking, are juicy and sweet, and because of their fiber content, keep me satiated. In honor of the month-long designated occasion, here are 3 reasons to get into the pear spirit: 1. Nutritional Benefits Fiber: A medium pear has 6 grams of fiber, which equals about 24 percent of the recommended daily value. Did you know that the skin contains the majority of the fiber found in Continue reading →

Pear and Sausage Stuffing

Andrea Slonecker By on

Whether you are a “stuffing” or a “dressing” kind of person, pears add a magical twist when served alongside your holiday bird. Because they are sautéed and then baked, the pears are meant to be meltingly soft in this side dish, and any variety will do. Sausage adds a piquant kick, and don’t skimp on those fresh herbs. Consider this recipe another delicious vehicle for getting pears on your Thanksgiving table. Serves 8 Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing and brushing 1 (20-ounce) loaf white bread, crusts trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage 1 sweet yellow onion, chopped 3 celery ribs, chopped 12 ounces mild Italian pork sausage (casings removed if the sausage is in links) 2 ripe USA Pears, stemmed, cored, and cut into Continue reading →

These 15 Pear-a-licious Dishes Will Win Thanksgiving

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Between family gatherings, office parties and every kind of celebration in between, we often find ourselves overindulging during the holidays. This isn’t a bad thing as we all deserve to treat ourselves every once in a while. This is where pears come in! Besides being sweet, juicy and delicious, they are also high in fiber and are sodium free, fat-free, and cholesterol free, plus they’re a good source of vitamin C! Pears can make for a creative and healthier alternative to many holiday dishes. Even if whatever you’re cooking isn’t super healthy, you can at least add nutritional value simply by including pears. Plus, all 10 varieties of USA Pears are in season right now, which means there are lots of possibilities when it comes to using them in whatever you cook. With Thanksgiving around the corner, we decided to dig Continue reading →

5 Ways You Can Celebrate World Pear Day 2017

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2017 marks the second year we are officially celebrating World Pear Day, which kicks off National Pear Month in December.  We are excited to share the festivities with pear lovers around the world on December 2. Beginning in New Zealand, people will have the opportunity to taste a variety of USA-grown pears via pop-up sampling opportunities in more than 24 countries including China, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico and the U.S. for 24 hours of continuous sampling and promotion of USA Pears. For those of you looking to pear-take in the fun, here are five ways you can celebrate World Pear Day!   1. Use the hashtag #WorldPearDay! Part of what makes World Pear Day so exciting is the chance to connect with pear lovers across the globe, and the best way to do that is by joining in on Continue reading →

Pear Pecan Pumpkin Spice Bread

Bonnie Taub-Dix By on

Some “breads” are actually quite sweet and sugary, acting more like cake than bread. This Pear Pecan Pumpkin Spice Bread lets the naturally sweet taste of the pears shine through without any added sugar AND it pears perfectly (pun intended) with savory dishes like a steamy bowl of butternut squash soup. It’ll also look beautiful on your holiday table! Makes 1 loaf Ingredients: 2 fresh ripe USA Pears – peel, core, cut into pieces 2 fresh USA Pears with stem – cut in half (leave core attached), core and peel 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice 2 teaspoons cocoa – unsweetened ½ cup extra virgin olive light oil or avocado oil ½ cup plain Greek yogurt – Continue reading →