National Pear Month – 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 12 Creative Ways to Poach a Pear https://usapears.org/blog/12-creative-ways-poach-pear/ Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:13:28 +0000 http://usapears.org/blog/?p=4903 How many ways can you poach a pear? There may not be a set answer when you consider that the pear-ssibilities are endless. The classic go-to seems to be red or white wine poached pears, which is definitely one of the prettiest and most decadent ways to poach. But when it comes to poaching, sometimes it’s worth it to think outside the pear box. Besides wine, pears can be poached in cider, bold and flavorful beers like stouts and Belgian ales, and even espresso, among other liquids. Restaurants love to impress diners with beautifully poached pear dishes because, besides being delicious, they are visually striking. Even though poached pears may look challenging to make, most recipes are easier than you might think. December is National Pear Month and the time of year when all ten varieties of Northwest pears are Continue reading →

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]]> Pear and Gouda Cheese Ball with Cranberries and Pecans https://usapears.org/blog/pear-gouda-cheese-ball-cranberries-pecans/ Wed, 13 Dec 2017 20:08:28 +0000 http://usapears.org/blog/?p=4898 The all-American cheese ball is a throwback worth revisiting. Popular at holiday parties of yesteryear, today we take a fresh, lightened-up approach with the addition of pears. Swap the classic orange cheddar or crumbly blue for a nutty aged Gouda. The nuttiness plays well with both the sweet pears folded into the cheese mixture and the crunchy pecans that are sprinkled on the outside, while parsley and scallions add a savory bite. Perfect for an office gathering or a family affair, this pear-flecked cheese spread presents well in the shape of everyone’s favorite holiday fruit. And it’s deceptively easy to pull off, too. Serves 8 to 10 Ingredients: 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature 2 cups finely shredded aged Gouda cheese (about 6 ounces), at room temperature 1 ripe USA Anjou pear, peeled, cored (reserving the stem), and Continue reading →

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]]> Pear Rugelach https://usapears.org/blog/pear-rugelach/ Fri, 08 Dec 2017 16:21:42 +0000 http://usapears.org/blog/?p=4892 Rugelach, the crescent-shaped, cookie-like pastries filled with any combination of nuts, fruit, chocolate, and seeds, is a festive holiday treat of Jewish decent. Though they are commonly filled with dried fruits, like raisins, fresh pears diced extra small are a tasty twist. Pear butter adds another layer of flavor and allows the filling to stick to the dough as you roll them up. It can be found in the jam aisle at many supermarkets. The cream cheese dough is tender, flaky, and oh so easy to mix together, making this recipe a fun endeavor for families of any faith during the holiday season. Makes 36 Ingredients: Dough 16 tablespoons (1 cup/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 3/4 cup cream cheese, at room temperature 1/3 cup sour cream 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 2 cups all-purpose flour Filling 1/2 cup sugar Continue reading →

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]]> 5 Ways You Can Celebrate World Pear Day 2017 https://usapears.org/blog/5-ways-can-celebrate-world-pear-day-2017/ Thu, 09 Nov 2017 14:00:33 +0000 http://usapears.org/blog/?p=4797 2017 marks the second year we are officially celebrating World Pear Day, which kicks off National Pear Month in December.  We are excited to share the festivities with pear lovers around the world on December 2. Beginning in New Zealand, people will have the opportunity to taste a variety of USA-grown pears via pop-up sampling opportunities in more than 24 countries including China, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico and the U.S. for 24 hours of continuous sampling and promotion of USA Pears. For those of you looking to pear-take in the fun, here are five ways you can celebrate World Pear Day!   1. Use the hashtag #WorldPearDay! Part of what makes World Pear Day so exciting is the chance to connect with pear lovers across the globe, and the best way to do that is by joining in on Continue reading →

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]]> Three Cheers for the Concorde https://usapears.org/blog/three-cheers-for-the-concorde/ https://usapears.org/blog/three-cheers-for-the-concorde/#respond Wed, 09 Dec 2015 17:00:30 +0000 http://blog.usapears.org/?p=4322 The National Pear Month fun continues with the crisp Concorde pear. Vanilla-sweet and elegant, this green-skinned blend of the Comice and Conference varieties miiight be a favorite variety of many USA Pears employees…if we played favorites. The Concorde pear’s firm texture makes it a great fit for baked goods, desserts, and roasting, but it’s also delicious eaten fresh or in salads, like this Autumn Concorde Pear Salad with celery root and fennel. Whirl a Concorde pear into a green smoothie for natural sweetness and smooth texture. Sweet Concorde pears make a perfect partner for tangy goat cheese and savory herbs in this Pear and Thyme Crisp. However you decide to enjoy your Concorde pears, make sure to check the neck for ripeness. If your pear gives to gentle pressure near the stem end, it’s ripe and sweet. Check in with our Continue reading →

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]]> https://usapears.org/blog/three-cheers-for-the-concorde/feed/ 0 Befriend the Forelle https://usapears.org/blog/befriend-the-forelle/ https://usapears.org/blog/befriend-the-forelle/#respond Sun, 06 Dec 2015 17:00:07 +0000 http://blog.usapears.org/?p=4316 Next up in the National Pear Month lineup: the fun, freckled Forelle! Forelle means “trout” in German, and you can see where this variety gets its name—it’s easily spotted by its spots! Smaller than the average pear, the Forelle has a crisp texture and a slightly tangy flavor. The Forelle shines in a classic salad, like this Pear and Watercress Salad with Goat Cheese, Gouda, and Walnuts. Looking for something more upscale? Put pears on your holiday menu along with some seasonal seafood, like this King Crab with Pear Tabbouleh Salad. Polish it all off with these adorable little bundled Forelle Pears Baked in Pastry. They’re like mini pies, but with twice the filling. If you need ripe Forelle pears for your recipes or a quick snack, just check the neck. If your pear gives to gentle pressure near the neck, it’s Continue reading →

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]]> https://usapears.org/blog/befriend-the-forelle/feed/ 0 Celebrating the Sweet Seckel https://usapears.org/blog/celebrating-the-sweet-seckel/ https://usapears.org/blog/celebrating-the-sweet-seckel/#respond Sat, 05 Dec 2015 16:00:08 +0000 http://blog.usapears.org/?p=4307 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 →

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]]> https://usapears.org/blog/celebrating-the-sweet-seckel/feed/ 0 Behold the Red Bartlett https://usapears.org/blog/behold-the-red-bartlett/ https://usapears.org/blog/behold-the-red-bartlett/#respond Fri, 04 Dec 2015 16:00:32 +0000 http://blog.usapears.org/?p=4303 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 →

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]]> https://usapears.org/blog/behold-the-red-bartlett/feed/ 0 Pears Pair Well with the Holidays! https://usapears.org/blog/pears-pair-well-with-the-holidays/ https://usapears.org/blog/pears-pair-well-with-the-holidays/#respond Thu, 19 Dec 2013 18:00:38 +0000 http://blog.usapears.org/?p=3783 Happy holidays and happy National Pear Month! The USDA touts December as National Pear Month because the greatest varieties of pears are available right now, and the holidays wouldn’t be as joyous without these succulent and versatile treasures! The northwest United States is home to ten varieties of pears, thus recipes and ideas abound for the holidays. Why not make your holiday table healthier and happier with pears? Pears lend a festive flair to any dish, and since they’re a healthful fruit, they add nutrients and fiber that keep you feeling full while you’re shopping or tempted by the sweets table at holiday parties. One of my favorite dishes to serve for the holidays or bring to gatherings is poached pears, particularly the delicious and tender red wine poached pears with mascarpone and candied almonds. The addition of mascarpone and Continue reading →

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]]> https://usapears.org/blog/pears-pair-well-with-the-holidays/feed/ 0 National Pear Month https://usapears.org/blog/national-pear-month/ https://usapears.org/blog/national-pear-month/#respond Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:58:17 +0000 http://50.87.191.241/blog/?p=1835 It’s National Pear Month! There aren’t any streamers or noisemakers in our office, unfortunately, but I started celebrating early today with a juicy, sweet Concorde pear. Every day this month, Lynsey, Cristie and I will be tweeting and posting to Facebook – be sure to visit our page for décor ideas, new recipes, and pear fun facts. Every Thursday in the month of December is Trivia Thursday on our Facebook page. Winners will have the chance to receive a box of fresh pears! Check back daily for lots of fresh ins-pear-ation! And snack on some pears!

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