Pear recipes

 A few years ago, my mom gave us a pear tree for our birthdays. My grandparents had a pear tree when I was growing up and there were always tons of pears. This tree has followed suit and we often have so many pears that I have no idea what to do with them all. Sometimes I'll pick them in batches, let them ripen, and then make pear bread or pear crisp. Sometimes someone will drop by and ask if they can pick pears, to which we always say, "Oh my gosh, YES, please have as many as you want!" Today at the farmer's market, I saw pears for sale and came home to make a sign advertising the pears and asking anyone who wants some to come pick them. I'm going to attach some plastic bags to the side of the sign so that people will have something to carry them in. Also, I thought I'd include my favorite pear recipes in case someone needs some inspiration! 

1. PEAR CRISP from The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

For the Filling:

4 to 5 whole large pears (Bosc work well)

2/3 c. granulated sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

For the Topping:

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1/3 c. granulated sugar

1/3 c. firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 c. pecans, very finely chopped

1/2 c. butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. For the filling: Peel, core, and dice the pears. Place them into a bowl and stir together with the granulated sugar and salt. Set aside.

3. For the topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. Stir together. Drizzle the melted butter, gradually, stirring with a fork as you go until all combined.

4. Pour the pears into a buttered baking dish; top with the crumb topping.

5. Transfer the baking dish to the middle oven rack and bake for 30 minutes.

6. Move the dish to the top rack of the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

2. PEAR BREAD from Allrecipes

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• 2 cups white sugar

• 2 cups peeled shredded pears

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 3 large eggs

• ¾ cup vegetable oil

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degree F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease and flour two 8x5-inch loaf pans. 

2. Combine flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl; make a well in the center.

3. Combine grated pears, sugar, pecans, eggs, oil, and vanilla in a separate bowl until well blended; pour into well of dry ingredients and stir until just moistened. Spoon batter into prepared loaf pans.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool on wire rack before removing from the loaf pans.

3. PEAR CRUMBLE from Taste of Home

Ingredients

3 medium pears, peeled and sliced

2 teaspoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons old-fashioned oats

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Dash ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon cold butter

2 tablespoons chopped nuts

Directions

1. Place pear slices in a greased 1-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.

2. Cut in butter until crumbly; add nuts. Sprinkle over pears. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.

4. PEAR BUTTER from Allrecipes

Ingredients

3 large chopped peeled pears

½ cup white sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Place pears in a food processor or blender; puree until smooth.

Measure 3 cups pureed pears into a saucepan. Add sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bubbling, about 15 minutes. Stir in cinnamon. Cook, stirring frequently, until thick, about 15 minutes more.

Immerse a 1-pint jar in simmering water for 5 minutes. Wash lid and ring in warm soapy water. Fill hot jar with pear mixture. Seal and store in the refrigerator.

**You can actually skip this last step if you're not going to try to save it for a long time. This tastes a lot like applesauce (except with pears) so you'll enjoy as long as you are not expecting something super smooth or like butter or jam consistency. 

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And if that is not enough, try these (from my favorite recipe websites): 

• https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/in-season-pear-recipes
• https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/pear-recipes/
• https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/1107/fruits-and-vegetables/fruits/pears/
• https://www.marthastewart.com/275372/pear-recipes