Andrea Slonecker – The Pear Dish https://usapears.org/blog A blog about our favorite fruit, USA Pears! Mon, 24 Sep 2018 23:52:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.25 Chiles en Nogada https://usapears.org/blog/chiles-en-nogada/ Mon, 24 Sep 2018 23:52:57 +0000 https://usapears.org/blog/?p=5105 Mexico’s iconic Independence Day dish of poblano chiles stuffed with fresh and dried fruits, blanketed in creamy walnut sauce and dotted with glistening, jewel-like pomegranate seeds is a celebration of seasonality, color, and heritage. Many recipes call for multiple types of fruit in the filling, but this simplified version highlights fresh pears. Serves 6 Ingredients: Walnut Sauce 1 cup raw walnuts, coarsely chopped 1 cup sour cream 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature ½ cup milk, plus more as needed 2 tablespoons dry sherry wine 1 tablespoon granulated sugar ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon cinnamon Stuffed Chiles 12 large poblano chiles 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 pound ground pork ½ medium yellow onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon Mexican (or regular) dried oregano ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground allspice 2 large ripe pears, such Continue reading →

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]]> An Easy Way to Smoke Pears https://usapears.org/blog/an-easy-way-to-smoke-pears/ Mon, 10 Sep 2018 17:45:05 +0000 https://usapears.org/blog/?p=5099 Yes, you can smoke fruit! There are a variety of methods for smoking foods, from using a dedicated outdoor hot smoker, to DIY cold smoking in your oven, but this technique for infusing pears with smoky flavor is as easy as they come. All you need is a charcoal grill, wood chips, and a disposable aluminum pan—no special equipment required and no risk of setting off the smoke alarm in your kitchen. The truly exceptional thing about this technique is that you don’t even have to get the grill out just to smoke the pears since the pears are added to the grill after it’s used to cook something else, when the coals turn to embers. So while your family enjoys a late-summer meal on the patio, the residual heat still emitting from the grill is just enough to delicately Continue reading →

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]]> Pear Pasta Salad https://usapears.org/blog/pear-pasta-salad/ Mon, 16 Jul 2018 17:20:22 +0000 https://usapears.org/blog/?p=5086 Potlucks and picnics are upon us! This portable pear recipe adds a sweet twist to the perennial favorite: pasta salad. With a flavor-packed combination of just-ripe USA Pears complemented by salty salami, tart pickled peppers, fresh mozzarella, and crunchy cucumbers, it’s sure to surpass any pre-made offering you’d find at the deli counter. Plus, a lightened-up version of the classic creamy dressing, substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, makes for a healthier summer feast. Serves 8 to 10 Ingredients: Dressing 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 cloves garlic, minced 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano Salad 1 pound dried short pasta, such as fusilli, rotini, or farfalle 2 firm but ripe red USA pears, cut into bite Continue reading →

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]]> Fresh Pears and Burrata Cheese with Hazelnut-Mint Pesto https://usapears.org/blog/fresh-pears-and-burrata-cheese-with-hazelnut-mint-pesto/ Wed, 13 Jun 2018 15:00:01 +0000 http://usapears.org/blog/?p=5066 Burrata takes fresh mozzarella to another level. This creamy, oozy fresh cheese is a hollow ball of mozzarella filled with the decadent blend of cream and ricotta-like curds. The marriage of juicy pears and creamy cheese is a classic, but this love affair is particularly amazing. The simplicity of slicing pears and piling the luxurious burrata on top, then spooning on some homemade hazelnut-mint pesto, will make this your new favorite party starter, but it’s also an extra-special snack to have on hand at any time. Pair with an herbaceous white wine, like sauvignon blanc or Italian vermentino. Serves 6 (makes 12) Ingredients: 1 cup firmly packed fresh mint leaves 1/2 cup roasted hazelnuts 1 small clove garlic 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/3 to 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, plus more for brushing 2 Continue reading →

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]]> Pulled Pork and Pear Tacos with Pear Pico de Gallo https://usapears.org/blog/pulled-pork-and-pear-tacos-with-pear-pico-de-gallo/ Tue, 15 May 2018 15:02:04 +0000 http://usapears.org/blog/?p=5051 Time for a taco party! In this festive recipe, pears appear in two ways: braised with pork shoulder to create depth and sweetness for a juicy, shredded taco filling, and also mixed into a zesty pear and jicama pico de gallo for topping. There will be plenty of the flavorful slow-cooked meat to feed a crowd, and any leftovers can be frozen for quick taco making for future weeknight dinners. Serve with margaritas and chips and salsa to round out the menu. Ingredients: 3 1/2 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt) 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon chile powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 large ripe USA Pears, peeled and chopped 1 small white onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and stems 4 canned chipotle chiles with a Continue reading →

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]]> Pear Kimchi https://usapears.org/blog/pear-kimchi/ Fri, 11 May 2018 15:00:51 +0000 http://usapears.org/blog/?p=5044 Sweet pears and spicy flavors make for a winning combination. Kimchi, the mainstay of every Korean table, has been gaining mass appeal in recent years. Prized for its health benefits and irresistible spiciness, kimchi is becoming a staple condiment in many homes. If you’ve never made your own, then this version, featuring pears and crunchy root vegetables, is a great place to start. This is a quick kimchi recipe, meant to enjoy immediately. Serve it alongside a simple roast pork with steamed rice and sautéed greens, add it to a vegan grain bowl, place it atop ramen noodles or in lettuce wraps—you’ll find that the ways to enjoy fresh kimchi are endless. Makes 8 to 10 servings Ingredients:  2 large white root vegetables, such as kohlrabi or turnips 2 large slightly underripe USA Pears 1/4 cup kosher salt 1/4 cup Continue reading →

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]]> Pear and Chicken Meatball Banh Mi Sandwiches https://usapears.org/blog/pear-and-chicken-meatball-banh-mi-sandwiches/ Fri, 13 Apr 2018 14:10:18 +0000 http://usapears.org/blog/?p=5023 Spring is in the air so let’s look to fresh flavors from Asian herbs, lemongrass, ginger, and crunchy vegetables to highlight pears. In this new take on the popular banh mi sandwich, you’ll find ripe pears mixed into mini meatballs that are inspired by the flavorful flattened patties served at traditional banh mi stands throughout Vietnam. They also appear in a crunchy, quick-pickled mélange of pears and carrots that tops the sandwiches. The meatballs and tangy topping are tucked into individual baguettes and adorned with cucumbers, jalapeños, and vibrant herbs. Serves 6 (Makes about 18 meatballs) Ingredients:  Pickled Pear and Carrot Topping 1 cup pears cut into 2-inch-by-1/8-inch sticks 1 cup carrots cut into 2-inch-by-1/8-inch sticks 1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon kosher salt Meatballs 1 pound ground chicken 3/4 cup peeled USA Pears cut in Continue reading →

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]]> Cast-Iron Skillet Roasted Pears with Hearty Whole-Grain Panzanella (Vegan) https://usapears.org/blog/cast-iron-skillet-roasted-pears-with-hearty-whole-grain-panzanella-vegan/ Mon, 19 Mar 2018 16:47:07 +0000 http://usapears.org/blog/?p=5000 A good cast-iron pan works wonders on pears. When just-ripe Anjous are cut in half and seared in a hot skillet then placed in the oven, it brings out a rich and roasty caramelized flavor that renders the pears entrée worthy. They take on depth of flavor and luscious texture to make them a deliciously satisfying substitute for meat, whether you practice a vegetarian or vegan diet, or are just looking to reduce the amount of meat you consume. Here the roasted pears are offered with a warm, whole-grain panzanella, that ubiquitous Italian bread salad usually involving fruity tomatoes and basil in the height of summer. Fruity roasted pears are a perfect alternative at the end of winter. Packed with hearty greens and chicories, olives, and a maple-scallion dressing, this recipe makes for a nutritious one-dish meal. Serves 4-6 Ingredients: Continue reading →

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]]> Instant Pot Pear Oatmeal Jars https://usapears.org/blog/instant-pot-pear-oatmeal-jars/ Fri, 16 Feb 2018 15:05:59 +0000 http://usapears.org/blog/?p=4966 The Instant Pot, that magical cooking appliance that allows you to do everything from sautéing to pressure-cooking, is all the rage right now. I put it to use in the morning to cook steel cut oats in no time. What’s even better is that the oats can be combined with any variety of ripe USA Pears and cooked right in individual mason jars for the family on the go. After cooking, the jars are topped with a variety of toppings to jazz up this heart-healthy breakfast. Makes 4 one-pint jars Ingredients: 2 cups diced USA Pears 1 cup steel cut oats 1/4 cup chopped dried fruit, such as cranberries, cherries, dates, or raisins 6 tablespoons honey 8 teaspoons chia seeds 1/2 teaspoon cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Sea salt About 3 cups water Topping Ideas: Coconut Milk Yogurt or Greek Continue reading →

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]]> Pear, Green Tea, and Honey Granita https://usapears.org/blog/pear-green-tea-honey-granita/ Thu, 25 Jan 2018 16:03:24 +0000 http://usapears.org/blog/?p=4942 As we enter the depths of winter, after the holiday rush has slowed to steady daily routines, we take pleasure in things with a simpler, more nourishing feel. Enter granita, the flavor-rich frozen treat that is Italy’s answer to French sorbet or Hawaiian shave ice. Perhaps it’s most often served as a refreshing end to a rich meal, but that’s not the end of its capabilities. After all, this recipe is simply a mixture of lusciously ripe fresh pears sweetened with a touch of honey, accentuated by a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt, and enhanced with the addition of matcha powder for green tea flavor and color, which also lends a smooth texture to the fluffy ice. Yes, it’s delicious served all on its own to finish dinner, but consider the options. Freshly shucked oysters benefit from Continue reading →

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