Ripe 'n Ready Holiday 2009

Pears & Cheese

More than almost any other fruit, pears love cheese. From the spiciest Stilton to the mildest creamy ricotta, pears and cheese are a match made in heaven.

· Heat things up by pairing Monterey Jack or Gruyere and slices of pear in a grilled cheese sandwich or quesadilla.

· To create a stunning cheese platter, serve Pear-Ginger Chutney with one of each, a cow's milk, goat's milk and sheep's milk cheese. We suggest Brie or Camembert, Chevre and Roquefort, as well as Cheddar. Cheese and chutney should be served at room temperature.

· To the platter add sliced artisanal bread, crackers, toasted nuts and dried fruit and you'll have a perfect appetizer, light snack or dessert.

Did you know a canned pear is a poached pear? Juicy and delicious, keep them on hand to add flavor and sweetness to home cooked meals. Canned pears can be incorporated into the simplest or the most celebratory dishes. Speaking of celebrations, in this issue we explore easy ways to use tasty and healthy pears during the holidays.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza are all family celebrations featuring food, wine and fellowship. The holidays also mean more time spent cooking and preparing meals for family and friends. When looking to impress, canned pears are a convenient way to jazz up everything from salads to desserts and don't forget the leftovers!

Spectacular Salads

An elegant salad is not only a beautiful way to begin a meal, but also a healthy way. Each of these salads features a "super food" such as spinach, walnuts, almonds or dried cherries to complement sweet and juicy pears.

Easy recipe suggestions:

Pear Waldorf Salad - Pears replace apples for a twist on the traditional Waldorf salad that dates back to 1893 when it was first served at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City.
Spinach Pear Salad - with Warm Vinaigrette is a sophisticated salad with balsamic vinegar and blue cheese
West Coast Green Salad - Crunchy toasted almonds, chewy dried cherries and luscious pears combine with Romaine and radicchio salad greens to create a colorful jewel-toned treat.

Delectable Desserts

Indulging in sweets is a traditional part of celebrating the holidays we wouldn't want to miss. This year, try a twist on some classic holidays desserts. Adding pears to these recipes improves the texture and flavor and also lowers fat and calories.

Pear Mincemeat Pie - This snazzier version includes brandy and pears making it a real crowd pleaser.
Pear Pecan Pie- Pecans and brown sugar form the topping on a base of gingery pears. A fresher take on a holiday favorite.
Pear, Apple and Cranberry Cobbler - This cinnamon and nutmeg scented cobbler warms hearts and tummies.

Holiday Leftovers

Whether you are serving turkey, ham or even chicken, you're likely to end up with leftovers. Say goodbye to boring turkey sandwiches and hello to a fresh entrée salad, breakfast favorite or hearty soup! Use up your leftover turkey, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce by combining them with fresh ingredients to create a dish your family will love.

Swedish Chicken & Pear Hash - Leftover chicken or turkey combines with pears and sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory dish. Serve plain or with a poached egg on top for a deluxe breakfast.
Hearty Holiday Salad - This hearty salad features leftover turkey, salad greens, pears and the dressing even utilizes that last bit of cranberry sauce!
Smoked Turkey Chowder - Canned pears and corn add sweetness and nutrition to a comforting soup. Make a big pot and be prepared when guests drop by.