Ripe 'n Ready Times - Spring 2011
The leaves are turning color, the kids are going back to school, and it's finally cooled off enough to return to the kitchen. Whether you're packing lunches, tailgating or baking up a storm, keep all natural canned pears on hand as one of your pantry staples. They are convenient, easy to use and always delicious.

Lunch for the Bunch


Skip the same old peanut butter and jelly. There's a whole lot more to packed lunches than boring old sandwiches. Change it up by making wraps, salads and even hearty soups. You'll save money with home made lunches and you'll have more control over what you and your family are eating. Incorporating pears is an easy way to add extra moisture and flavor to salads, sandwiches, soups and snacks. 

  • Smoked Turkey Chowder - This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days. Pack in a thermos and take to school or the game. 
  • Pacific Northwest Pitas - A twist on the standard sandwich, ham and cheese gets tucked into pita bread with an added sweet boost from canned pears. 
  • Chocolate Chip Pear Bars - Pack these chewy bars in lunch bags or in your purse. For an after school snack, serve with milk.

Craving Comfort?


When the weather cools down, we all want comfort food. Whatever your pleasure-gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, stacks of pancakes, cheesecake, pizza or fresh-from-the-oven desserts-they all benefit from the addition of canned pears.  

  • Add thin slices of canned pears to grilled cheese sandwiches
  • Dress up cheesecake with slices of pears and a drizzle of chocolate sauce
  • Heat diced canned pears and maple syrup and serve on pancakes
  • Top your favorite barbecue chicken pizza with chunks of canned pears 

Pear up with your Farmer's Market

One of the best times of year to shop at the Farmer's Market is autumn. Pick out a pumpkin for Halloween or create a cornucopia for your Thanksgiving table. And don't forget, butternut squash, cranberries, carrots and Belgian endive all pair wonderfully with canned pears. Here's how:

Pears take their place on My Plate

 

This summer, the USDA replaced the Food Pyramid with My Plate, a simplified system of dietary guidelines expressed in the easily digestible form of a place setting.  For fruit lovers, the new regulations recommend increased consumption on a daily basis.  For canned pear users, frequent visits to www.eatcannedpears.com and www.facebook.com/eatcannedpears will keep your creative juices flowing for meals and snacks filled with both flavor and goodness.  

 

When enjoying any food, My Plate offers easy tips for better health: 

My Plate
Balancing Calories   

● Enjoy your food, but eat less.   

● Avoid oversized portions.

 

Foods to Increase   

● Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.   

● Make at least half your grains whole grains.   

● Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

 

Foods to Reduce   

● Choose low sodium whole and prepared foods.

● Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
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