Pears, walnuts, and blue cheese make a delightful classic fall salad, elevated by this aromatic walnut oil dressing. Walnut oil is a healthy, flavorful alternative to olive oil, ideal for salad dressings, pesto, and drizzling over fish or pasta. We especially love the organic, cold-pressed walnut oil from Manzanita Manor Organics at the Aptos Farmers...Read More

Pears are among the world’s most captivating fruits, celebrated for their voluptuous contours and buttery texture. A perfectly ripe, luscious pear stands unrivaled as one of autumn’s sweetest pleasures. This ancient fruit even captured the admiration of the famous Greek poet Homer, who referred to pears as a “gift of the gods.” The Romans developed...Read More

Standing in front of a vast display of pears can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to remember which variety is best for your recipe. We hope this guide will make your selection easier! The key to picking the perfect pear lies in your personal preferences and the dish you’re planning to create. Pears come...Read More

This is one of the easiest appetizers and the perfect starter for a fall dinner party. Who can resist the delectable combination of the savory-salty blue cheese with the sublime sweetness of the ripe pears and honey? INGREDIENTS: 3 large Bosc pears, cut in half lengthwise, remove seeds and core with melon baller 1 tablespoon...Read More

Homey Fall crisps are pure comfort food. We like to use fresh Warren or Bartlett pears that are a little bit firm — don’t use overly ripe or mushy pears. Serve the crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Fall dessert! INGREDIENTS: 7 cups peeled and sliced pears (about 7...Read More

These memorable baked pears were served at a now-closed bed and breakfast called The Elms in Napa Valley. They were presented as the first course while we waited for the breakfast main dish to be served. The B & B owner was gracious enough to share this simple recipe with me. This is one of...Read More

This is a delectable jam for toast or scones – and equally delicious drizzled on goat cheese for an appetizer with crackers or fruit. Glaze turkey burgers during the last minute of grilling with a brushing of jam. INGREDIENTS: 4 cups pears (about 8 or 9 pears), peeled, cored and chopped into 1 inch pieces...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 8 cups baby spinach, washed OR 8 cups mesclun mix (baby greens) 4 red d’anjou pears, sliced thinly 3/4 red onion, sliced thinly 6 oz. crumbled goat cheese, gorgonzola, or other favorite blue cheese 8 strips Corralitos applewood smoked bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled 1 recipe Maple Syrup Pecans (recipe below) 1/4 recipe...Read More

Succulent wine-poached pears stuffed with a creamy blue cheese filling are equally delicious as a first course or sophisticated dessert. Poached pears also make a sublime addition to a weekend brunch menu. INGREDIENTS: For Poached Pears: 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water 1 vanilla bean, split, scraped 1 sprig fresh rosemary Rind of 1...Read More

A simple, fall dessert —  for a stunning presentation, plate with a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. These baked pears are equally good served at brunch! INGREDIENTS: 4 pears, any variety, almost ripe (peeled) 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup butter 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1...Read More