Tag Archives: pears

Pear Compote with Earl Grey & Vanilla

Hilary By on

This super simple compote is a beautiful and delicious way to preserve some of fall’s fading flavors. You’ll make a simple infusion which combines the unique flavor of Earl Grey tea with vanilla and orange, and then simply stir in sugar and fresh pears. Serve this compote over yogurt or ricotta for a delightful breakfast or snack, spoon it over vanilla ice cream, or try it atop crostinis spread with your favorite soft cheese. Pear Compote with Earl Grey & Vanilla Ingredients 1 cup boiling water 2 Earl Grey tea bags 1 orange 1 tablespoon vanilla paste ¾ cup sugar 3 firm ripe USA Pears, such as Comice or Red Anjou, small dice Directions Place the tea bags into the cup of boiling water and steep for 2 to 3 minutes to make a very strong tea. Remove the teabags Continue reading →

Six Simple Habits for the New Year

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

A new year brings many things, a fresh start, a year of possibilities, and broken resolutions… We often set lofty goals and envision working out every day looking cute in our gym outfits, not the sweaty messes we really are. Visions are easy, reality is usually harder. Picking a healthy habit to work toward, rather than a resolution, might be simpler and more realistic. Give it a shot! 1. Make a plan. Whether you want to exercise more or lose fifty pounds, have a plan in place. Make it simple, such as walking 20 minutes twice a week or prepping meals on Sundays. Simple is easier to stick to and gives your schedule more flexibility. 2. Add a fruit or veggie. It’s not news that Americans don’t eat enough fruits and veggies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found Continue reading →

Sweet Vermouth Poached Pears

Hilary By on

Sweet vermouth has really made a comeback thanks to the craft cocktail movement, and I am so glad it did. Without it, I’d have never tried a Manhattan and noticed the distinct and wonderful flavors that a good vermouth can lend, not to mention that I’d have never come up with the idea for this unique recipe. Pick up a bottle for making these poached pears and pour yourself a little over an ice cube to enjoy while you cook. You won’t be sorry. Sweet Vermouth Poached Pears Ingredients 3 cups good quality sweet vermouth, such as Carpano Antica 1 cup water 2 tablespoons honey 1 orange, peel only (use a vegetable peeler to cut several thin strips) 2 cinnamon sticks 6 whole cloves 3 firm USA Pears, such as Bosc Greek yogurt, for serving Directions In a medium saucepan, Continue reading →

What are FODMAPs and can I eat them?

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a gastrointestinal illness that causes discomfort/pain, constipation or diarrhea, and sometimes bloating and gas, is estimated to affect 10% to 20% of the world’s population. The cause is unknown, but genetics, diet, and stress play a role. For some patients, a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) has been successful for decreasing symptoms. FODMAPs is a fancy way of saying tiny carbohydrate molecules that our naturally occurring gut bacteria like to eat (ferment). Common FODMAP foods include fruit, fiber, sugars/sweeteners, dairy, wheat, garlic, onions, and legumes. When eaten in excess, bacteria eat these carbohydrates and release acids and gas that may cause symptoms for some people. A common misconception is that people with IBS symptoms cannot eat these foods; however, cutting out three food groups, fruit, grain and dairy, is not healthy! Continue reading →

Celebrating the Sweet Seckel

Brittany By on

Break out the party poppers! National Pear Month is here, and we’re celebrating during December by introducing you to all ten varieties of Northwest-grown pears. Did you know our favorite fruit comes in a bite-sized variety? Meet the Seckel: crisp, sweet, and petite. Olive green with a maroon blush, the Seckel is ideal pickled, as a picture-perfect garnish for holiday entrees, or eaten fresh out of hand! Sized for small hands, it’s a popular lunchbox pick. Adorn your holiday ham with roasted Seckel pears…or get exotic with this Spiced Squab Breast with Seckels. Make a peck of pickled pears, wrap a ribbon around the jar, and put it under the tree. Voila! This simple gift from your kitchen will have everyone asking for more. Everyone’s going with the grain (salad) this year. You can sweeten your table with this Pear, Roasted Continue reading →

Behold the Red Bartlett

Brittany By on

December is National Pear Month, and we’re celebrating all ten varieties of USA Pears during these first ten days, along with our friends at Love and Olive Oil, One Sweet Appetite, and The Little Epicurean. Today, we’re all about the Red Bartlett, a lesser-known sister of the quintessential pear variety, the Bartlett. We love the soft, juicy, and sweet Red Bartlett pear for its bright pop of color and its mellow flavor in recipes. The Red Bartlett can be identified by its soft red skin, classic pear shape, and vertical stripes of color. Red Bartlett pears shine atop savory entrees, like these Grilled Pizzettas with Pears, Shaved Ham, and Fresh Basil. Raise a glass to the peak of pear season with Red Bartlett pears in this festive White Sangria with Cranberry Syrup. File this one away for warmer days: a pitch-perfect Continue reading →

Summer Arrivals: Get Inspired!

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

I don’t know about you, but I have been waiting for summer to start for months. We have had so much rain and so many cool days in Denver that it has felt more like April than July. But summer is finally here and that means longer days, fresh fruit, and summer entertaining! Summer is the most wonderful time to explore your local grocer or farmers’ markets for bright colors and fresh flavors. Whether a couple of friends stopped by after work or you’re planning a dinner party for twelve, having fresh fruit handy will make you the host with the most. Personally, when I go all out I decorate the table with all sorts of fresh flavors, put together a fresh spritzer or cocktail, and serve piles of grilled fruits and veggies. But if you’re having an impromptu gathering, Continue reading →

Creamy Spring Pea Salad with Pears

Hilary By on

Here is a quick and fresh salad recipe to welcome spring. Based loosely on the classic pea, bacon, and mayonnaise salad famously served at every Midwestern potluck, my version uses fresh sugar snap peas, bold radicchio, smoky bacon, and sweet, ripe USA Pears for balance. Toss the fruit and vegetables in a simple, creamy dressing and chill until crisp. Serve this salad on the first day you fire up your barbecue—it will pair perfectly with anything from the grill. Ingredients Dressing 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (from half a lemon) 2 teaspoons sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons finely minced shallot ¼ cup sour cream ¼ cup mayonnaise Salad 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked, cooled, and chopped 1 head radicchio, quartered, cored, and thinly sliced 1 pint fresh sugar snap peas, strings removed and sliced on the bias 2 Continue reading →

Pear and Sour Cream Muffins with Coconut-Pecan Streusel

Hilary By on

These pear muffins are simply perfect! They’re ultra-tender thanks to the sour cream I’ve added to the batter, and have a crunchy, textured top courtesy of the coconut-pecan streusel they are sprinkled with before baking. This unique combination of flavors and textures makes for a very memorable muffin. Muffins are my favorite baked good for home baking because they keep so well. After we helped ourselves to a few muffins still warm from the oven, we kept these little sweeties tightly wrapped in the refrigerator where we enjoyed them as part of our breakfasts through the rest of the week. This recipe would be lovely as part of a pear-themed brunch for Easter or Mother’s Day. Try it alongside my Chicken Salad with Pears, Bacon, and Avocado as well as my Pear and Maple Breakfast Sausages. Serve a variety of Continue reading →

Pear and Quinoa Breakfast Custard

Hilary By on

The holidays are my favorite time of year for making big family breakfasts. Extra days off means extra time for cozying up with a good book while a satisfying breakfast dish bakes away in the oven. My creamy Pear and Quinoa Custard couldn’t be more perfect for the season. The silky vanilla and orange-scented custard together with the earthy quinoa and soft, ripe pears makes this breakfast both wholesome and satisfying. The sooner you get to cooking, the sooner the aroma of pears, vanilla, and sweet custard will fill your kitchen! Ingredients 2 ounces dried pears (about 5 pear halves) 1 cup dried quinoa (yields 2 ¼ cups cooked quinoa) 1 ½ cups water 1 ¾ cups half and half 3 eggs ⅔ cups sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons orange zest (from about half an orange) ¼ teaspoons Continue reading →