One of the best things about fall is the amazing seasonal fruits and vegetables that make their way to our tables, adding new flavors to our dishes. (Think butternut squash, cranberries, figs!) And though pumpkin is a usual go-to during autumn, pears are just as delicious and can be integrated into all kinds of recipes, and even DIYs. So, spruce up your next holiday table or hosted get together with a new star-of-the-show—pears!
Pear Centerpiece
Tools
Eucalyptus
Pears (we used Bartlett pears)*
Mini pine cones
Rectangle platter or tray
*Use pears that won’t be ripe for several days and the centerpiece will last up to one week.
Steps
Start by laying eucalyptus twigs on the platter. Let some leaves hang off the sides.
Place pears on the platter, so they’re touching, but not over-crowded.
Put mini pine cones around the edges and place on your party table!
Chocolate Dipped Pears
Ingredients
Dark chocolate
Pears of your choice (we used Starkrimson pears)
Finely chopped walnuts
Directions
Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or using a double boiler.
Dip the pears into the dark chocolate, covering about 2/3 of the pear. Allow excess chocolate to drip back into the chocolate bowl.
Sprinkle chopped walnuts on the chocolate, then place on parchment paper for 10 minutes until the chocolate completely hardens.
We like these pears served with vanilla ice cream for a lighter dessert.
Spiced Pear Punch
Serves 3-4
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Spiced Pear Cider (recipe below)*
1/2 cup aged rum (or bourbon)
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup sparkling water
Cinnamon and sugar
Spiced Pear Cider
3 ripe pears
1 cinnamon stick
Water
Directions for Spiced Pear Cider
Slice pears and place in small pot with the cinnamon stick. Add enough water to the pot so the pear slices are covered, and bring to a boil.
Turn down heat and let it simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally. The pears will fall apart on their own, but you may also mash them with a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature, then strain through cheesecloth or a mesh sieve.
*You may also sub the Spiced Pear Cider for store bought pear juice mixed with a dash of cinnamon.
Directions for Spiced Pear Punch
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher or punch bowl, mix well, and set aside.
For the cinnamon sugar rim (optional), dip the rim of the glass into a shallow bowl of pear cider, then into cinnamon sugar.
Add ice to the glasses then pour the punch into the glasses. Garnish with pear slices and/or a cinnamon stick. Cheers!
Take your next get together up a notch in flavor with this pear-theme party. After all, pears pair well with fall!