Food and Health Communications

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Fun with Pears!

Pears!Check out this collection of fun ways to feature pears during Pear Month this December!Pears can be wonderful holiday centerpieces, party platter ingredients, and even gifts!Pear Centerpiece:Materials:

  • 12 pears, preferably different colors (we used 3 different types: Comice, Bosc, and Red Bartlett)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • Large clear decorative bowl or vase

Directions:

  1. Place half the cranberries on the bottom of the bowl or vase.
  2. Layer pears on top of the cranberries in a decorative pattern.
  3. Sprinkle remaining cranberries over the top of the pears.
  4. Keep chilled until ready for use.
  5. Use as a centerpiece during dinner. As a bonus, serve it for dessert.

Pear SaladTasty Pear Salad:Ingredients:

  • 8 cups mixed greens, washed
  • 2 sliced Red Bartlett pears
  • 1/4 cup sliced dried figs
  • 1/4 cup mixed dried fruit: golden raisins, blueberries, cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons toasted walnut pieces
  • Balsamic vinegar to taste

Directions:

  1. Place the greens in a large bowl and top with pears, figs, dried fruit and walnut pieces.
  2. Serve vinegar on the side.

Dried PearsDried Fruit Gift Platter:This is a healthier alternative to cookies -- and it's easier too!Materials:

  • 1/2 cup dried pears
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1/2 cup dried blueberries
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup halved dried figs (cutting them in half makes them much prettier)

Directions

  1. Make a fun and decorative pattern with dried fruits.
  2. Consider using a spiral dish.
  3. You could also layer the fruit in a mason jar for easy gifting!

Heeeeeeeeeere's the handout!Pear Month CelebrationAnd here are a few more of my favorite things from the Nutrition Education Store...