September Brings Us Pears
in Northeast Texas

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

Whether it is from the tree in your backyard or from the local supermarket or the farmer's market, beside the highway, September brings us pears to enjoy in Northeast Texas. As the temperatures begin to be cooler of a morning and the hope of autumn is in the air, this age old fruit, begins to ripen and brings us an array of ways to enjoy its annual appearance. Personally, there isn't a much better way than to "dodge the wasp" and pick a fresh pear from the tree and enjoy its delicious sweetness. However, they are equally enjoyable brought in the house and used in a variety of recipes.

Pears are great paired with a variety of other foods, from greens in salad, cheeses, chocolates, wines, or just the tender fruit used in desserts. Pears can be enjoyed at any of the meals and help to meet your daily fruit requirements. They can be baked, poached, or prepared in a variety of ways.

Enjoy these suggestions of ways to prepare pears for your pleasure:

 

 

Pear Salad With Pork Tenderloin

 

• 4 (4 ounce) beef tenderloin steaks, cut 3/4 inch thick
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse grind black pepper
• 1 (5 ounce) package mixed baby salad greens
• 1 medium red or green pear, cored, cut into wedges
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• Salt
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
•  
• Honey Mustard Dressing:
• 1/2 cup prepared honey mustard
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse grind black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Season beef steaks with 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place steaks in skillet; cook 7 to 9 minutes for medium rare (145 degrees F) to medium (160 degrees F) doneness, turning occasionally.
2. Meanwhile whisk Honey Mustard Dressing ingredients in small bowl until well blended. Set aside. Divide greens evenly among 4 plates. Top evenly with pear wedges and dried cranberries.
3. Carve steaks into thin slices; season with salt as desired. Divide steak slices evenly over salads. Top each salad evenly with dressing, pecans and goat cheese, if desired.

 

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Pear Preserves

This recipe from Mary Gamblin allows you to enjoy the freshness of pears
all year long.

 

Peel and slice your pears, thin.

Mix a cup of sugar for every two cups of packed pears.

Add 1/4th, sliced lemon for each two cups

And, set covered in the refrigerator overnight, or until
juice forms over the pears.

Cook over medium heat, in a saucepan, until pears
are translucent.

Put mixture in sterilized jars and seal.

Enjoy!!!

 

 

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Pear Pie

This pie recipe from Mary Gamblin involves using your fresh pears for a delightful
dessert, that is great served with ice cream.

Get two prepared pie shells, and peel and thinly slice enough pears  to fill
one pie shell. Add 3 tablespoons corn starch, and 3/4 stick of real butter.
Add a dash of salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
Add 3/4 cup sugar and mix ingredients.

Fill original pie shell with mixture and top with
second pie shell, sealing at the edges and making slits in the top crust.
Sprinkle top of pie with additional sugar and bake in 350 degree
oven, until crust is golden brown (approximately 45 minutes).

Serve warm with ice cream!

 

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