Smoky Red Pear and Grilled Corn Salsa

USA Pears are back in season, and this unique late summer salsa is the perfect way to show them off! Adding a few pinches of cumin lends the salsa a gentle smokiness which balances the honey-sweetness of the pears. Serve this salsa with your favorite tortilla chips or use it to generously top grilled chicken or pork. Ingredients 2 ears of corn, shucked 1 tsp. neutral flavored oil, such as grapeseed ½ a medium sweet onion, small dice 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely minced 2 firm ripe red USA pears, such as Starkrimson or Red Bartlett 1 lime (for zest and juice) ¼ tsp. ground cumin ¼ tsp. sea salt 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro Directions Preheat your grill to medium. Drizzle the oil over the corn and rub to coat with the oil. Once the grill is hot, cook Continue reading

Pear, Carrot, and Coconut Muffins

Here is a fun fall take on the classic morning glory muffin, a popular recipe published in Gourmet Magazine back in the 1980s. These muffins are chock-full of fruit, vegetables, and nuts, making them hearty and filling, but they retain a soft, light texture, as any great muffin should. They will keep very well in the refrigerator and reheat wonderfully thanks to their high moisture content. If you prefer your muffins warm from the oven, you can even mix up a batch and bake off just a few at a time, saving the remaining batter for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Ingredients 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 ½ cups finely shredded carrot (about 2 medium carrots) Continue reading

Barbecue Pork, Pear, and Cheddar Quesadilla

Here is a quick quesadilla recipe that makes great use of leftover pork, ripe autumn pears, and cheddar cheese. The combination of these three ingredients is so delicious, it just might become your favorite afternoon snack. These quesadillas are a great use of leftover ribs from your favorite barbecue joint. If you’ve never made your own barbecue sauce, try your hand at Pear Barbecue Sauce with Chiles and Spice to use for this recipe and double the pear punch! Ingredients 6 ounces cooked, shredded pork 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, plus more for dipping 4 flour tortillas (8-inch size) 4 ounces cheddar cheese, grated 1 large, ripe USA Pear, such as Bartlett or Anjou, sliced Cilantro, chopped, for garnish Directions Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix the shredded pork with the barbecue sauce and microwave for 1 ½ – 2 Continue reading

Grilled Chicken, Pear, and Avocado Toasts

This recipe takes two of everyone’s favorite things, pears and avocados, and combines them to create a beautiful and satisfying meal or snack. A nice alternative to a mayonnaise-based chicken salad, this recipe uses mashed avocado and lemon to bring the ingredients together. Enjoy these open-faced sandwiches for lunch or divide the topping between slices of toasted baguette and arrange them on a platter for an elegant appetizer. Ingredients 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 breasts) 1 tablespoons olive oil Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper 1 large or 2 small avocados 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon) 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced 2 firm ripe USA Pears, such as Bartlett, thinly sliced 6 – 8 slices artisan bread, toasted Micro greens, for garnish Directions Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Drizzle the chicken Continue reading

Pear Bread with Brown Butter and Cardamom

Got ripe pears? This pear bread recipe is simple to make and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. The loaf is lightly spiced with cardamom and made moist and sweet with the addition of two ripe USA Pears. Browning the butter in a small saucepan before mixing up the batter gives this bread a wonderfully nutty flavor. Enjoy it as an easy breakfast, pack it into lunchboxes, or have a slice with a cup of afternoon tea. Ingredients ¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks) ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 ripe USA Pears, such as Anjou or Bartlett 1 ⅔ cups all purpose flour ¾ teaspoon cardamom 2 teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt Directions Place the butter into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the butter begins to sizzle, cook for Continue reading

Pear Pecorino Ravioli

The sweetness of the pears complements the salty and creamy cheese filling of these easy ravioli. Serve with a crisp white wine. Ingredients               1 Bartlett USA Pear, peeled and cored ⅔ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese 2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese 1 egg yolk ½ teaspoon minced fresh sage Freshly ground pepper 1 package medium wonton wrappers Sauce 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 teaspoons shredded fresh sage leaves 1 tablespoon finely chopped raw, peeled pistachios Directions  Grate the pear into a bowl using a box grater. Using your hands, squeeze out and discard any accumulated pear juice. Add the pecorino, mascarpone, yolk, minced fresh sage and a few grinds of pepper to the pear pulp and stir until thoroughly combined with a spatula or wooden spoon. Place 10 wonton wrappers on a work surface and Continue reading

Crunchy Vegetable Salad with Pears and Creamy Cheddar Dressing

Here is a a beautiful and fresh take on a classic salad combination: fruit, nuts, and cheese. Toasted hazelnuts are the perfect match for sweet, ripe pears, and finely grated vintage cheddar cheese adds plenty of interest to the classic buttermilk dressing. Serve this salad as a unique accompaniment to any winter holiday meal. The crisp, fresh winter vegetables will make a perfect partner to a Thanksgiving turkey or any other roasted meat and the pears are a healthy and colorful addition. Ingredients Salad 1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped 1 small head radicchio, chopped 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced on a diagonal 2 USA Pears, such as Anjou or Bartlett, cored and sliced ⅓ cup toasted and chopped hazelnuts Dressing 5 tablespoons mayonnaise ¾ cup buttermilk ¾ cup finely grated vintage sharp cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons chopped chives ½ teaspoon Continue reading