We have been working on some lovely ideas for pears for the fall and for the holidays. Thanks to Cindy Silver, MS, RD, from Lowes Foods, for her request for pear recipes and ideas.We believe we have a few good ones here and we had a lot of creating and photographing them for everyone to see.Pear Centerpiece12 pears, preferably different colors (we used 3 different types: Comice, Bosc, Red Bartlett)1 cup dried cranberrieslarge clear decorative bowl or vasePlace half of cranberries on the bottom of the bowl or vase. Layer pears on top in a decorative pattern. Sprinkle cranberries in the last layer.  Keep chilled until ready for use. Use as a centerpiece for dinner or just family time when it is great to snack on fresh fruit. You will be surprised at how fast they disappear!Fall Pear Salad8 cups mixed greens, washed and ready to serve2 sliced Red Bartlett pears1/4 cup sliced dried figs1/4 cup mixed dried fruit: golden raisins, blueberries, cranberries2 tablespoons toasted walnut piecesBalsamic vinegar to tastePlace the greens in a large bowl and top with sliced pears, sliced figs, dried fruit and walnut pieces. Serve with the vinegar on the side. Olive oil and black pepper are welcome, too.Fall Fruit Platter, Pear PlatterHere we have an arrangement of concord grapes and assorted pears. Keep this in mind for another table centerpiece, party dish or gift that you can give for the holidays!Healthy Fruit and Cheese Platter4 ounces lowfat, low-sodium farmer's cheese, sliced thin1 sliced Red Bartlett Pear (use lemon juice to keep it from turning brown)1 cup mixed dried fruit: golden raisins, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, dried sliced figsArrange all items on a platter. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. We like to serve these with fat-free, salt-free crackers.Dried Fruit Gift PlatterThis is a healthier alternative to cookies and easier, too!This is a fun platter to make, especially with our spiral dish! But you can use any dish and make a fun pattern with a selection of dried fruits.1/2 cup golden raisins1/2 cup dried blueberries1/2 cup dried cranberries1/2 cup halved dried figs (cutting them in half makes them much prettier)Enjoy!We have great holiday nutrition education handouts and resources here!Sophisticated Pear Recipe here