Here’s How to Celebrate National Pear Month!

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

Hasselback Baked Pear Oatmeal Bowl

This warming bowl of oats is the perfect way to start a chilly morning! Naturally sweetened with banana, this breakfast is topped with a caramelized, soft, hasselback baked pear. Prep the pears the night before, and you can throw this bowl together in 5 minutes! Serves 2 Ingredients: 1 cup dry oatmeal (old fashioned or quick) 1 large ripe banana 1 USA Bosc pear Coconut oil Pumpkin Pie Spice or Apple Pie Spice 1 tbsp chia seeds Creamy almond butter (other nut butter is fine) Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Slice pear in half and remove seeds. Cut side down, make narrow slits into each half, being careful not to slice all the way through. Grease a small cast iron skillet or baking dish with coconut oil. Place pears cut side down in skillet. Sprinkle with a little Continue reading

Pear Pecan Pumpkin Spice Bread

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

Snack Right to Stay Healthy Through the Holidays

Office candy dishes, gifts of baked goods, parties, dinners, and extra-packed to-do lists all shuffle in with the holiday season. And increased stress levels can also follow suit. While we can’t do your holiday shopping for you, we can offer up a helpful tool for keeping your energy level stable, your mood happier, and your weight steadier during the holiday season… snacks. But not just any old snacks will do, follow these four tips to ensure your snacks are energy-boosting powerhouses. Use the Rule of 2: The combination of protein, high fiber/less processed carbohydrates, and fat is one that keeps blood sugar and energy levels stable for hours. At mealtime, make sure you have this triple threat (+ veggies!) on your plate. At snack time, aim for at least 2 of the 3…what we call the “rule of 2.” Examples: Continue reading

Brussels Sprout Hash with Pears and Crispy Bacon

Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite winter vegetables, and it won’t be long until they disappear from produce shelves everywhere until next fall. Get your fill of Brussels while you can by roasting them into a delicious hash dressed up with crispy bacon and sweet pears. This easy recipe makes for a satisfying side dish. Simply cook the bacon lightly to render out the fat before tossing with the Brussels sprouts, then season and roast. At the last minute, add the beautiful pear chunks and the fresh thyme and warm through. Serve this dish with my Braised Pork with Pears and Sherry Vinegar for the perfect pear-inspired winter dinner. Ingredients 5 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 ripe, colorful USA Continue reading

Little Green Pouch: Pear and Kid Approved!

I love pears for lots of reasons, but I’m especially fond of their widespread appeal. It’s fun to be able to strike up a conversation with almost anyone about pears—my grandpa, a kindergartner, the cashier at my grocery store. They’re just so lovable! Pears are especially kid-friendly. They’re a hypoallergenic food, and with their soft texture, they’re easily pureed into sauce, smoothies, and soups. I recently received a complimentary pack of Little Green Pouches, a reusable food pouch like those you’ve seen popping up at Starbucks and grocery stores near you. This ingenious little food pouch is the perfect vehicle for pureed pears. I sent the pack to my sister, Aubrey, who offered to test the Little Green Pouch with her sidekick and babysitting charge Ellie. Ellie, 2, was an instant fan of the combo. Here’s Aubrey’s report: Aubrey: “Ellie, what do you think Continue reading