Pear season is ending; here are a few recipes to help you bid them adieu.
Last week, a colleague, food columnist Ben Mims, learned that he actually loved pears and created a beautiful Chopped Pear Salad With Buttermilk Dressing in tribute to his newfound appreciation of them. In the last few months, markets have shown us (those of us who have ventured out) heaps of varietals such as Bartlett and Bosc, Comice, Concord, Anjou and Seckel; alas, the piles are waning as the season is winding down. We will see the last of California’s abundant pear crop in the next few weeks. Here are some recipes to help you enjoy them.
Arugula and pear salad
Time 20 minutes
Yields Serves 4
Grilled blue cheese and pear sandwich
Time 25 minutes
Yields Makes 2 sandwiches
Habanero Pear Cranberry Sauce
Time 15 minutes
Yields Makes about 3 cups
Brandy-glazed pears
Time 1 hour
Yields Serves 2 to 4
Caramel Pear Crisp
Time 1 hour
Yields Serves 4 to 6
Pecorino's pear and almond gratin (gratin di pere e mandorla)
Time 45 minutes
Yields Serves 10
Pear and cardamom upside-down cake
Time 1 hour
Yields Serves 8
Pear frangipane tart
Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Yields Serves 8
Asian pear tart
Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Yields Serves 6
