"pears" news and stories

Martha Stewart has pages and pages of luscious fall dessert porn up right now, just in case you're looking for inspiration. They're arranged by ingredient, which is helpful. Some of the highlights:

Apples - Apple pie with cheddar crust; vanilla bean-baked apples; cranberry, apple and maple phyllo; apple-cinnamon upside down cake.

Pears - Salt-roasted pears with caramel sauce; pear pavlova; honey cake with spiced pears; saffron-scented pear upside-down cake.

Pumpkin and Sweet Potatoes - Pumpkin-swirl brownies; mini pumpkin whoopie pies; sweet potato pie with pecan topping.

Other - Concord grape sorbet; Concord grape pie; wine maker's grape cake; quince Tart Tatin; spiced cider soup with sweet potato dumplings, quince and dates.

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I've been binging on pears lately, as they've been bursting from the boxes and tables of my farmers market. Mine aren't nearly as photogenic as these lovely ones (I find it hard to transport them from market to home on my bike without incurring a few bruises) although they've certainly been delicious. I'm hoping to buy a bunch for cheap, in order to make a batch of pear butter, which is one of my very favorite fall treats.

Thanks to John, for adding this pic to the pool.

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Grilled fruit is a healthy alternative dessert, and easy in the summer when the grill is already going. Almost any fruit can be grilled as long as it holds its shape through the process. smaller fruits can be skewered along with chunks of larger fruits. A side of sauce or cream for dipping is a good addition to your caramelized treats, as well as a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Trying this out couldn't be easier. Get some ripe pears and peaches but not too ripe. Quarter, core, and peel each one into four wedges. Grill until caramelized and smoky, and serve with a small mound of whipped cream on the side. I grilled the ones pictured here earlier in the day and then hid them in the fridge for later. No one complained about not having cookies or cake that night!

You're all set to stick your pie crust in the oven to blind bake, and you realize that you don't have any pie weights. No need to fret, there are plenty of alternatives in your kitchen already.

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• This week's recipes: Pasta with Bell Peppers and Ham, Baked Beans, Big Blue Slaw, and Pears Poached in Red Wine.