Plump pears wrapped in gold paper are one of the first signs the holidays have arrived. A dessert unto itself, the elegant pear is delicious in any form. Whether poached, baked, or eaten straight from the bin, these nutrient-rich jewels pair exceptionally well with an array of flavors—especially those that come with the hearty comfort foods and decadent sweets of winter. Mix them with warming spices, root vegetables, pungent cheeses, caramelized onions, caramel sauce, and almost any wine. We dare you to find a flavor that doesn’t play nice with pears. And if you’re an inexperienced pear connoisseur, start simple—like with these Oven-Poached Holiday Pears. Baked with tangy cranberries, they can be served as a side dish with ham or turkey or as a tasty dessert with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or frozen yogurt. Visit Sunset for the complete recipe. Here’s to discovering the perfect pearings for your next lakeside get-together.
Ahh-Inspiring Ahi
Want a fresh option for your classic ahi tuna salad? Just add a thinly sliced Asian pair to introduce a delicious sweetness that beautifully complements this tender, sushi-grade fish. The simple recipe—Seared Ahi Tuna & Arugula Pear Salad—combines flavors of succulent fresh tuna with spicy arugula, black and white sesame seeds, Persian cucumber, radishes, and crisp pear for a dose of festive holiday flare. Toss with a sweetly tangy dressing made with lime juice, olive oil, sesame oil, honey, and grated ginger for a satisfying starter or small-plate fare. Visit Delish for the recipe.
Sweet & Spicy Sips
Everyone loves a good pitcher cocktail, especially when entertaining for the holidays. A refreshing celebratory winter libation, this White Pear Sangria only takes a few minutes to prepare. Sweet, juicy pears and a mingling of warming spices are what give it a seasonal kick. Just mix a dry white wine—Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, or Chardonnay—with brandy, pear juice or nectar, lime juice, sliced pears, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Tip: Use ripened pears that are firm, not mushy, for ideal flavor and texture. Refrigerate for four to six hours to get the best infusion of flavors. When ready to serve, pour over ice and top off with a splash of ginger ale or ginger beer for a fizzy finish. Add a rosemary sprig and a fresh pear slice for an aromatic holiday essence. Visit Boulder Locavore for this quick and easy recipe.
Savory Sweetness
This velvety-smooth soup combines the subtle sweetness of pears with the nutty earthiness of butternut squash for a delicious starter or a light lunch with a sandwich. Once you taste this unique flavor pairing, you’ll include this Butternut-Pear Soup in your winter menu for years to come. Made with yellow onion, butternut squash, pears, olive oil, salt, and pepper, the soup is complemented with creamy Greek yogurt for a flawless flavor balance. Before serving, drizzle with olive oil and chopped fresh chives for an appetizing—and camera-ready—presentation. Visit Martha Stewart for this recipe that serves six.
Pork Perfection
Counterbalance the salty goodness of pancetta and pork with succulent braised pears that will amp up the savory juices of this cozy comfort food. For this rustic dish, tender pork loin wrapped in pancetta meets a mélange of flavors, including pears, parsnips, onions, and carrots, to create a satisfying, hearty meal on a chilly winter night. Serve with a loaf of crusty bread and a glass of German Riesling, Chenin Blanc, or Pinot Noir for an unforgettable dinner with friends. Visit Martha Stewart for this amazing recipe. Bon appétit!
Roasted & Rustic
The pleasing combination of roast pears and root vegetables delivers a sweet and savory side dish that can accompany almost any winter meal. Bartlett pears, cored and cut into wedges, blend surprisingly well with red onions and sweet potatoes, especially when coated in olive oil and roasted to a golden brown. A sprinkling of thyme sprigs, salt, and pepper brings a subtle aromatic seasoning to this vegan delight. Visit Good Housekeeping for this Roasted Sweet Potato, Pear, and Onion recipe.
Spin on Stuffing
A delicious twist on the traditional, this Pear, Sage, and Golden Raisin Stuffing makes a vibrantly fruity flavor statement that can be served alongside meats and poultry. Firm and ripe Bosc pears—ideal for baking—combine with golden raisins, yellow onion, carrots, celery, and fresh sage in this classic sourdough stuffing. Thick-cut bacon sautés the veggies to tasty perfection, and a thick-crusted whole-wheat sourdough loaf ensures optimal liquid absorption and an irresistibly crisp texture. Check out Cooking Light for the recipe.
Sweet Simplicity
For a simple yet elegant finish to your cozy winter meal, prepare a delectable Pears Poached in Red Wine dessert with dry red wine, sugar, and a few ripe pears. It’s best to select a firm pear variety like Anjou or bosc so the fruit can maintain its shape during the poaching process. Cooking and then soaking for a few hours in the cooled poaching liquid enables the pears to absorb all the flavor. Next, boil the liquid into a syrup and drizzle over each pear along with a dollop of whipped cream if desired. For the recipe, visit Food & Wine.
Sweet Tart
For a simple yet elegant finish to your cozy winter meal, prepare a delectable Pears Poached in Red Wine dessert with dry red wine, sugar, and a few ripe pears. It’s best to select a firm pear variety like Anjou or bosc so the fruit can maintain its shape during the poaching process. Cooking and then soaking for a few hours in the cooled poaching liquid enables the pears to absorb all the flavor. Next, boil the liquid into a syrup and drizzle over each pear along with a dollop of whipped cream if desired. For the recipe, visit Food & Wine.
Toddy Time
For a soothing after-dinner elixir, this Lemon-Pear Toddy warms the soul on a winter night. Even better is that it’s quick to make in the microwave. Just combine water, sugar, and a dash of kosher salt—which actually heightens the sweetness, but not excessively. After the mixture boils and the sugar and salt dissolve completely, it’s time to pour in the good stuff. Pear vodka lends a floral fruit flavor, and cognac counterbalances with an oaky richness. Fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract add another layer of bright, aromatic flavors to balance the sweet pear. Serve, toast to the occasion, and sip with friends. To create this delightfully simple cocktail, visit Cooking Light.
Here’s to a sweet and delicious winter season at the lake. Cheers!