I’m a rule-follower. I love (and avidly follow) diagrams, instructions, recipes. So when I saw the new MyPlate logo, which has replaced the Food Pyramid, I was pleasantly surprised. I can easily envision my plate (or salad, or smoothie) divided into four portions, with a dash of dairy.

Once I started thinking about it, I realized that pears fit, ahem, pearfectly into the suggestions. The USDA recommends that we fill half the plate with fruits and vegetables. Here’s a quick snapshot of how I’ve included pears on my plate recently:

Wednesday, September 14: Topped a grilled pork chop with homemade pear chutney. Served with a side of sauteed green beans.

Saturday, September 17: Put a sliced Starkrimson into my breakfast smoothie along with a spoonful of almond butter, chopped kale, orange juice and coconut milk. Added a dash of cinnamon for good measure.

Monday, September 26: Ate two whole, perfectly ripe Bartletts during a trade show. Yum. My “lunch” also included a handful of raw almonds and a skewer with sweet potatoes and pork tenderloin.

You see? It’s easy! Visit our website for more simple ideas to put pears on your plate!