Tag Archives: summer

Stuffed Avocado with Bay Shrimp, Pear, and Mango

Hilary By on

This stuffed avocado recipe is both simple and elegant. Begin with sweet and salty bay shrimp, and add crunchy pears and tropical, ripe mango to provide great texture and flavor. Bright, fresh lime juice plays perfectly with the creamy, rich avocado, and a pop of fresh mint will bring it all together. Serve this salad for lunch on a warm day, or alongside some grilled meat at your next barbecue. Ingredients 8 oz. bay shrimp ¼ a red onion, finely minced 1 firm ripe USA Pear, small dice 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced small 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice 2 teaspoons neutral oil, such as grapeseed ¼ teaspoon sea salt 1 small handful fresh mint leaves, torn 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted Directions In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, onion, pear, mango, and lime juice and Continue reading →

Smoky Red Pear and Grilled Corn Salsa

Hilary By on

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 →

Grill Master

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

To me, summer means sunshine, farmers’ markets and grilling. I personally love the flavors of grilled foods and regularly grill veggies as a side or base for meals. One of the greatest challenges I have faced in my years of counseling and teaching is that people have been trained to think they don’t like fruit and/or vegetables, and they don’t venture outside the norm for ingredients or culinary techniques. The remedy is simply to get a little creative in the kitchen – or backyard – and be okay with failing once in a while. I base most of my meals on produce, and in the summer that means adding a treat of grilled fruit at the end! Grilling is probably one of the simplest culinary techniques for fruit and veggies. In the beginning, it’s a good idea to stay close Continue reading →

Pear and Fresh Vegetable Summer Rolls

Hilary By on

These colorful and refreshing summer rolls aren’t just beautiful, they are absolutely delicious! You can use any variety of vegetables and herbs to fill the rolls, not just those I’ve mentioned here. Use firm pears for filling the rolls – they add just the right amount of sweetness along with a unique crunch. It takes a little practice to get the hang of working with the spring roll skins, but once you’ve got it down, you’ll be wanting to make fresh rolls all summer long. Ingredients: several handfuls spinach leaves, stems trimmed half an English cucumber, cut into long, thin strips 1 large carrot, grated or cut into a fine julienne 1 sweet pepper, cut into long thin strips 2 firm USA pears, such as Anjou, sliced julienne style several sprigs fresh basil 12 spring roll skins your favorite peanut Continue reading →

It’s What is on the Inside that Counts

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

We’ve all done it – picked up a slightly speckled piece of fruit and put it back in search of a more cosmetically appealing piece. Just like meat and eggs, produce is graded, and most grocery retailers purchase and profit from higher grade produce. According to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards, U.S. Number 1 fruit must be “carefully hand-picked, clean, well formed” and free from injury, including bruising. Produce items that don’t make the gradearenow being called “ugly fruit and vegetables” – those that are imperfect and less/not profitable – and often end up being discarded. According to the USDA, food waste is the greatest contributor to landfills, 31% of edible food is wasted, and food waste accounts for an estimated annual loss of $161.6 billion. Interestingly, recent studies suggest that blemished fruit, the stuff not pretty enough for consumption, Continue reading →

Don’t Be a Yo-Yo!

Amy Kweller MS, RD By on

That dreaded time of year is here again – swimsuit season. I have helped countless people lose weight, including myself, and despite many new and radical diets, the science still points to one principle: To lose weight, expend more calories than you eat. Sounds simple, right? Nope. What this doesn’t take into account are cravings, lack of motivation, hormones, metabolism, boredom, emotions, workplace and social saboteurs… Should I continue? Unfortunately, many experience the yo-yo effect, losing weight, gaining it back and having to start over again. For lasting weight loss, small changes must be made and maintained over time for true behavior change – and to end the weight loss/regain cycle. Research from the National Weight Control Registry, a registry of more than 10,000 people who have successfully lost weight and kept it off, points to a variety of factors. Continue reading →

Kale, Cabbage, and Pear Slaw with Citrus Dressing

Hilary By on

Here is a quick fruit and vegetable slaw with a sweet and tangy dressing. This slaw makes an ideal side dish for a simple summer dinner of grilled fish or chicken, but it will also transition well into the fall as a bright and fresh side for roasted meat. This recipe is the perfect use for slightly under-ripe pears—they will add a unique texture and flavor to this colorful slaw. Ingredients Dressing ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or other neutral-flavored oil) Salad 1 small bunch Lacinato kale, stemmed and shredded 1 small head red cabbage, cored and shredded 4 scallions, thinly sliced 2 firm USA Pears, such as Bosc, cored and thinly sliced ¼ cup chopped almonds Directions For the dressing: Combine all Continue reading →

Asian-Style Pork and Pear Lettuce Wraps

Hilary By on

Here is a perfect no-fuss summer dinner for a busy evening. These pork and pear lettuce wraps require just 20 minutes from start to finish and are full of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. Serve them with a simple and fresh cucumber salad dressed with rice wine vinegar for a lovely and complete meal. Ingredients 12 cup-shaped lettuce leaves, from about one head lettuce 1 pound ground pork ½ cup finely chopped shallots 2 teaspoons grated ginger 3 tablespoons mirin 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice 1-2 teaspoons fish sauce, to your taste 2 firm ripe USA Pears, such as Anjou or Green Bartlett, small dice ½ cup roasted and salted cashews, roughly chopped 4 scallions, sliced thinly Directions Pick 12 nice lettuce leaves, wash them, shake or spin dry, and place in the refrigerator to crisp. In a wide sauté 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 →

Grilled Pizzettas with Pears, Shaved Ham, and Fresh Basil

Hilary By on

Cooking pizza on the grill is an excellent way to keep your house cool in the summer and still enjoy one of your favorite dinners—and it’s easier than you think! This recipe makes four individual pizzettas, so everyone can enjoy their very own. You’ll lightly crisp one side of the pizza crusts, flip them, top them, and cook them until they’re done to your liking. Fresh USA Pear slices, shaved ham, and fragrant basil make the perfect summer toppings for this lighter (but no less delicious) version of this beloved meal. Ingredients 1 ball (16 ounces) store-bought pizza dough Flour for rolling out dough 2 tablespoons olive oil 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated 4 ounces best-quality shaved ham 2 firm ripe USA Pears, such as Green or Red Bartlett Several stems fresh basil leaves Directions About an hour before you’d Continue reading →