8 Sweet and Savory Pear Recipes That are Pear-fect for Fall (2024)

FAQs

What is a suitable cooking method for pears? ›

Caramelized pears

1Core pears and cut into quarters or cubes. 2In a large frying pan, melt a little butter, then add the pieces of pear. 3For a splendidly sweet taste, add a touch of brown sugar, honey or maple syrup. The mix can also be enhanced with cinnamon, spices, fresh ginger or lemon juice.

You'll want to choose pears that hold together well when making poached, baked, or grilled pears. Look to the crispest raw pears to find those that can withstand heat. The popular Bosc pear is the best option. Anjou pears are another top choice and Concorde and French butter pears are also reliable.

Apple, apricot, banana, blackberry, cabbage, celeriac, celery, cherry, cranberry, dates, eggplant, endive, fennel, fig, ginger, grape, guava, Jerusalem artichoke, kale, lemon, lettuce, lime, lychee, onion, orange, parsnip, persimmon, pineapple, plum, pomegranate, pumpkin, radicchio, radish, rambutan, raspberry, rhubarb ...

Pears are already soft and juicy, so baking them with cinnamon and maple syrup only makes them better. Top with granola for some crunch or a scoop of ice cream.

No need to peel, just slice pears in half and take out the core with a knife or melon baller.

If you don't have a lot of time to wait for your pears to ripen, use the tried and true banana trick. Place your pears in a paper bag or an enclosed area with a ripe banana or apple. Ripe apples and bananas give off a gas called ethylene that triggers the ripening process in unripe pears. You gotta love science!

Bartlett. Bartlett pears (also called Williams) have what most people would consider the true “pear flavor.” Both red and green Bartletts are bell-shaped. You can find them in stores from September through the early months of winter. Since pears are harvested unripe, allow them to ripen at room temperature.

Just-picked or purchased pears should be ripened at room temperature. On the counter is fine, but keep unripened pears out of the 'fridge. Once ripe, you can store pears in the refrigerator. The cold temperatures will slow the ripening process and they'll keep for 3 to 5 days.

Comice pears were originally cultivated in France. They're known as the sweetest pear variety, and are often the variety shipped in gift boxes. Because of this, they're sometimes given the nickname “the Christmas pear.” Comice pears have light green skin with a blush of pinkish red.

In classic French cuisine, pears are often poached with vanilla beans in wine, and for good reason. The wine's fruit-forward acidity perks up the mellow pears, while fragrant vanilla beans amplify their floral aroma and the gentle cooking method keeps their delicate texture intact.

What flavors mix well with pear? ›

Pear: Pairs well with almond, apple, caramel, chestnut, chocolate, cinnamon, citrus, clove, ginger, hazelnut, nutmeg, pecan, raspberry, rosemary, vanilla, and walnut. It mixes best with brandy, port, crème de cassis, Grand Marnier, kirsch, rum, whiskey, and dry red white, and sparkling wines.

One of my favorite flavors of fall is the classic pairing of apple and pear. Both fruits are at their peak this time of year, tasting just as amazing in pastries as they do on their own.

If planning to use pears uncooked, freeze using juice or water method. Freezing pears using dry packing or in sugar is the best method for pies or other cooked dishes. If planning to use pears in a sweetened jam, jelly, fruit butter, or sauce, try freezing using the juice or water method, but choose unsweetened juice.

Yes, dogs can eat pears. Pears are a great snack because they're high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. If you're sharing pears with your dog, just be sure to cut the pear flesh into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide.

Fruit can be cooked using moist- or dry-heat methods. Poaching, stewing and other moist-heat methods are wonderful for dressing up plain fruit. Sauces and compotes are usually made using moist-heat cooking.

Fill the jars and cover the pears with the syrup, retaining the ½-inch of headspace at the top of the jars. Wipe the rims clean and fit with lids and rings. Place in a boiling water bath canner, ensuring the jars are covered with water. Bring to a boil and process for 25 minutes (depending on altitude – see chart).

Cover and steam for about 10-12 minutes or until the pears are tender. If you opt for boiling, place the pears in a saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the pears are soft and easily mashed with a fork.