About Jenny

Hello! I write about all things pear, from local events to online sightings. Check out my posts for fun and creative ideas involving USA Pears!

Springtime Entertaining with USA Pears!

Remember that recipe Amy mentioned in her last post?  The one that combines sweet green Anjou pears with nutty mâche greens, with added flavor from ingredients like fresh tarragon, sliced fennel, and shaved Parmesan?  Well, USA Pears has teamed up with Epic Roots to develop this special salad, and we’re sure it will impress your family and friends at spring picnics and brunches. If you’re wondering what exactly “mâche” is, you’re probably not alone.  Mâche (pronounced “mosh”) is a salad green that first became popular in Europe during the Renaissance period, where it was loved for its flavor, texture and color.  Today, our friends at Epic Roots grow their mâche in northern California, where the soil and climate is perfect for growing these tasty little green rosettes. Not only will you find this special recipe on packages of Epic Roots Continue reading

This Weekend: Wine, Cheese & Pear Jubilee!

If you’re going to be in the Willamette Valley this weekend, don’t miss the 7th Annual “Wine, Cheese & Pear Jubilee” at Willamette Valley Vineyards. You’ll have the chance to sample award-winning wines paired with local artisan cheeses and of course, Oregon grown pears! We’ll be there sampling ripe pears, so come on by and see us! P.S. The $5 admission includes a free Riedel wine glass! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

The Olympian’s Quest: Part One

In just four days, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games will commence.  You can be sure we’ll be pulling for U.S. Ski Team member Torin Koos, a cross-country skier we’re extremely proud to sponsor.  As a native of Leavenworth, Washington, Torin grew up in the heart of pear country.  He checks in with us regularly with postcards, photos, training videos, and his reflections on training and competing in the Olympics, a dream he’s had since he was a child.  In addition to his love for skiing, Torin also enjoys writing.  In fact, he’s in the process of getting a master’s degree in communications at Westminster College.  He recently sent us an article called “Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters” which we’re very pleased to share with you. Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters It’s a quiet Sunday night as I begin Continue reading

Pearty Like It’s 2010

  In this season of gift-giving, I like to think of a nice, high quality cocktail as a small gift that I can give myself.  Now I’m not talking about cheap booze mixed with high fructose corn syrup, I’m talking about a quality spirit, fresh sqeezed or muddled fruit, and an unexpected touch, such as fresh herbs or a hint of spice.  A work of art that’s meant to be sipped and savored.       We have several excellent cocktail recipes that call for fresh pears, which were developed by mixologists across the country.  We’ll even show you how to make super cool pear garnishes and give you ideas for food pairings.  In addition to this superb collection, we also like to keep an eye out for new cocktails.  Enter the latest Imbibe edition, which has a recipe on page 53:  the Continue reading

True to His Roots

Here’s the first of several videos I’ll be posting of Torin Koos, the cross-country skier we proudly sponsor.  Torin grew up in running, skiing and working in the pear orchards near Leavenworth, Washington.  In less than two months he’ll be representing  U.S.A. in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and this short video gives you a peak at what it’s like to train for the winter games.  Stay tuned for some exciting things we’ll be doing to show our support for Torin as he goes for the gold! P.S.  Torin’s favorite pre-race breakfast includes a big bowl of oatmeal topped with brown sugar and slices of Green Anjou pears.  It’s no wonder we love him! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

The Gift of Fresh USA Pears

With all the rich chocolates, fudge, cookies, and candy passed around at the holidays, why not stand out from the crowd and give the gift of fresh and naturally sweet USA Pears?  Gift pears are special because they’re the best of the best, premium grade, hand-picked and chosen for customers who want to give their family and friends something special.  We’re sure the recipient of a gift pear box will be thrilled, but don’t take my word for it, here are a few notes we’ve received from the recipients of fresh pear gifts we’ve ordered: “The pears arrived on Monday and were the most gorgeous, delicious pears I have ever tasted or seen!  It was more beautiful than a still life painting and truly a divine gift.  My family agreed they were the most delicious pears, and my aunt loved Continue reading

Happy National Pear Month!

December is officially National Pear Month, and here in the Pacific Northwest we’re celebrating!  Here are six things you can do to join in the fun: 1.  This one’s obvious:  incorporate pears into your meals, snacks, desserts and beverages!  You’ll find plenty of inspiration here, or invent something and send me a photo (you might just win something). 2.  Decorate with fresh pears – they look beautiful in wreaths, centerpieces, garlands and more.  Follow the simple directions for one of our projects, or invent your own and send me another photo! 3.  Make a gift basket using fresh pears for friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, the mailman, whoever.  Once again, we have instructions and inspiration here, and I don’t want to say it again but I will, INVENT YOUR OWN AND SEND ME A PHOTO! 4.   Click here to receive our monthly e-newsletters.  They always Continue reading

Filling Your Kitchen with Love: The Joys of Home Preserving

Memories…that’s what life is all about.  My mom told me that other day as I was headed out of town for a birthday weekend in Las Vegas.  It sounds funny, but I was reminded of some of the responses we received from our e-newsletter contest last month because really, whether you’re partying in Vegas or bonding with your family in the kitchen, the memories we make with each other stay with us our whole lives. We asked our readers to tell us why they love preserving, (or why they would like to start) and were overwhelmed by the touching responses we received.  Our winner, Amanda from Mississippi, said this: “I grew up watching my mother and grandmother preserving fruits and vegetables. I remember going with them and picking the fruits and vegetables from our gardens and trees. I loved the way we would all go together Continue reading