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  3. Pear Recipes

Pear Recipes

October 01, 2010
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Credit: Photo: Ryan Liebe
Fall is the season for pears, and from cocktails to salads, we’re dishing on all the best ways to enjoy every last drop of the sweet bounty. To know if a pear is ripe, gently push at the neck, around the stem. If it's firm, give your pear a few more days to ripen. If the fruit gives just a bit under your finger, you're holding a ripe pear. Pears past their prime are delicious in breads and sauces. You're sure to find a favorite pear recipe in this collection, and when you do, you'll be thinking "Apple who?" when the temps start to drop. Pears will soon be your autumnal passion.
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Red Wine–Poached Pears with Cardamom and Vanilla Mascarpone

Credit: Greg DuPree
View Recipe: Red Wine–Poached Pears with Cardamom and Vanilla Mascarpone

Perfumy cardamom heightens the sweetness of poached winter fruit. We use whole pods here to infuse the poaching liquid, rather than serving entirely as the base, so its bitter tanins are much more subtle. 

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Pear-and-Pesto Couscous

Credit: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Pear-and-Pesto Couscous

A vibrant arugula-and-walnut-pesto and sweet, juicy pear liven up this couscous side—a fun play on the more classic pear and walnut salad. We love the contrast of blushing red Anjou with the green pesto, but any ripe pear will work. Serve with baked salmon fillets or pork tenderloin.

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Pear and White Balsamic Chutney

Credit: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Pear and White Balsamic Chutney

Sweet, tangy, herby, and fresh—this fruity chutney is a tasty condiment that pairs best with pork. Try it on roasted pork tenderloin, seared pork chops, or ham. White balsamic vinegar is just as sweet and complex as standard balsamic; it just won’t turn the pears brown. If you don’t have it on hand or can’t find it, substitute 11/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Any type of pear will work here; we just prefer the fragrance of D’Anjou.

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Pork Tenderloin with Blue Cheese and Pears

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Pork Tenderloin with Blue Cheese and Pears

Match the robust flavors of this dish with a hearty endive or radicchio salad to make the meal feel decidedly Italian.

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Muffin-Tin Pumpkin-and-Pear Stratas

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Muffin-Tin Pumpkin-and-Pear Stratas

Nectar-sweet pears, earthy pumpkin, and tart cranberries are a wonderfully balanced combination of fall flavors. Bosc or Anjou pears will also work here, as long as they're ripe. Your bare hands do the best job of mixing the bread into the egg.

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Instant Pot Mostarda with Fennel and Pears

Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch
View Recipe: Instant Pot Mostarda with Fennel and Pears

Equal parts sweet and savory, mostarda is an Italian condiment made with fruit and mustard. While a traditional mostarda usually takes several hours to completely cook and reduce, our version is easily made with your Instant Pot instead. Look for firm, unblemished pears when making this dish. Serve it with a thick-cut pork chop, on a charcuterie board, or in a brie grilled cheese.

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Pear, Sage, and Golden Raisin Stuffing

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Pear, Sage, and Golden Raisin Stuffing

Pears are at their peak in late fall and their firm texture is ideal for baking. Here we fold them into a classic sourdough stuffing with plump golden raisins and fresh sage. A little thick-cut bacon goes a long way here, leaving just enough drippings in the pan to sauté the vegetables. You could also use diced pancetta (such as Boar’s Head). Look for a whole-wheat sourdough loaf from the bakery section—the thick crust and hearty texture will absorb more liquid. Cut leftover stuffing into squares and reheat in the oven to crisp the edges.

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Pear and Apricot Tart

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Pear and Apricot Tart

In the late 19th century, the families of Sicily came to America bringing their most cherished Italian customs and cooking. Prominent among them were flavorful, fresh fruit desserts, such as this lovely tart. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or, even better, gelato.

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Pear-Prosciutto Toast

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Pear-Prosciutto Toast

We fancified the classic ham and cheesy sammy with prosciutto, Swiss, and pear. Fig preserves provide the can't-quite-place-it sweetness that elevates this toast; you can sub 1/2 teaspoon honey. The salty and sweet combination of pear and proscuitto creates a satisfying entrée with 14g of protein. Pair with one of our layered soups for a heartier meal. We can guarantee this kid-friendly staff favorite will be a hit when served as lunch or as a party appetizer. Put ripe fall pears to good use by savoring this seasonal fruit in cocktails, salads, and more, including our creative ideas for toast toppings.

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Crunchy Bulgur Bowl with Kale, Chicken, and Pear

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Crunchy Bulgur Bowl with Kale, Chicken, and Pear

This easy and light supper is a great way to get family members to try (and enjoy) new foods, such as bulgur and raw kale. Soaking the bulgur in milk overnight both adds to the grain's wonderful rich flavor and keeps this dish completely no-cook. And even better, this simple recipe can have you ready for dinner in less time than it would take to pick up a pizza. Asian pear is a large, super crisp, sweet, and refreshing variety of pear—if you have difficulty finding it, you can definitely substitute your favorite pear or apple variety. 

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Ham and Gruyère Belgian Waffles with Sautéed Pears

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Ham and Gruyère Belgian Waffles with Sautéed Pears

While traditional Belgian waffles are made with yeast, we use beaten egg whites to give these salty-sweet waffles their light, airy texture and crispy exterior. Sweet delicious pears top this breakfast beauty for a tasty touch of fall.

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Pear and Pomegranate Bellini

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Pear and Pomegranate Bellini

Raise your glass to good friends and family while knocking back this fruity holiday cocktail. Cheers!

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Roasted Grape and Pear Kuchen

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Roasted Grape and Pear Kuchen

Kuchen is a classic German yeast cake that’s either topped with seasonal fruit or filled with cheese or custard. Our version celebrates fall with seasonal fruit—roasted grapes and pears—and plenty of spices.

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Spicy Pear and Ricotta Toast

Credit: Sara Tane
View Recipe: Spicy Pear and Ricotta Toast

Excite your taste buds with a sweet and spicy toast combo. If you don't have pepper jelly, we recommend drizzling honey and red chili flakes for that same sweet kick. Either way, this toast is a knockout and makes for a great mid-day snack.

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Apple, Pear, and Cranberry Crisp

Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Apple, Pear, and Cranberry Crisp
The tart and tangy cranberries complement the sweet apples and pears in this warm, streusel-topped delight. Try serving it à la mode as the grand finale of a holiday dinner.

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Bacon-Roasted Pears

Credit: Photo: Ryan Liebe
View Recipe: Bacon-Roasted Pears

Sweet, savory, salty--what more could you ask for? Fresh pears find new life when topped with center-cut bacon and a little balsamic glaze.

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    1 of 16 Red Wine–Poached Pears with Cardamom and Vanilla Mascarpone
    2 of 16 Pear-and-Pesto Couscous
    3 of 16 Pear and White Balsamic Chutney
    4 of 16 Pork Tenderloin with Blue Cheese and Pears
    5 of 16 Muffin-Tin Pumpkin-and-Pear Stratas
    6 of 16 Instant Pot Mostarda with Fennel and Pears
    7 of 16 Pear, Sage, and Golden Raisin Stuffing
    8 of 16 Pear and Apricot Tart
    9 of 16 Pear-Prosciutto Toast
    10 of 16 Crunchy Bulgur Bowl with Kale, Chicken, and Pear
    11 of 16 Ham and Gruyère Belgian Waffles with Sautéed Pears
    12 of 16 Pear and Pomegranate Bellini
    13 of 16 Roasted Grape and Pear Kuchen
    14 of 16 Spicy Pear and Ricotta Toast
    15 of 16 Apple, Pear, and Cranberry Crisp
    16 of 16 Bacon-Roasted Pears

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