Mixed Green Salad with Pears, Hazelnuts, Blue Cheese and Homemade CroutonsJust mention the word “pear” and my brain conjures up the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon-baked pears, sautéed spiced pears and pear pies, cobblers and crisps like this Spiced Apple and Pear Crisp. opens in a new tab
I grew up loving pears. We had a huge orchard right behind our house in Northern California. We would gather them up and eat to our hearts content. We loved them at breakfast and snack time, and my mom would often bake a pear cobbler using her mother’s recipe. My father would make a salad with sliced pears, leafy greens and vinaigrette dressing. Sounds simply perfect, right? Here are some more wonderful pear salads:
Rosemary Pear BelliniWorldwide there are more than 3,000 varieties of pears, yet only a small number of the heirloom varieties have actually been cultivated into the pears we recognize and love in the US. Each is unique in flavor, texture and appearance. Check out our helpful pear primer opens in a new tab, which includes varieties, pairings and storage tips. Then enjoy these delicious preparations:
For holiday parties, appetizers or dessert, try Cranberry Ginger Pear Squares opens in a new tab. Be sure to use a firm pear like Anjou or Bosc, which will hold up to baking.
Add chopped pears to hot cereal and baked goods such as muffins and quick breads.
Sauté chopped pears in a dab of butter or olive oil with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Enjoy with oatmeal or over ice cream, frozen yogurt or a non-dairy alternative.
For an elegant dessert, use Bosc pears in Ginger and Jasmine Tea-Poached Pears opens in a new tab.
Rosemary Pear Bellini opens in a new tab is made with pear juice. It’s a refreshing, sparkling beverage perfect for gatherings and holiday parties!
Match pears with roasted nuts such as pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts, dried fruits such as figs and cranberries, and cheeses such as Brie or goat cheese.
Raw Oysters with Sweet Pear Mignonette opens in a new tab is made with crisp, juicy Asian pears.
Ricotta with Raw Honey and Pears opens in a new tab is a sweet and satisfying dessert.
Spread roasted almond butter over toast; top with sliced pears.
Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Roasted Rosemary Pears opens in a new tab is knock-your-socks-off fabulous for dinner parties and potlucks.
Roast firm pears like Bosc or Anjou with vegetables such as sweet potatoes, rutabaga and parsnips. Roasted Spiced Sweet Potatoes and Pears opens in a new tab is a healthy way to do just that.
Roasted Mahi Mahi with Collards and Pears opens in a new tab is a better-for-you dish that’s super easy to prepare.
Eat sliced pears and drink Champagne anytime the mood strikes!
What’s your favorite pear recipe or favorite pear variety? Let me know.
