Honey-Poached Pears with Dried Cranberries
This lovely recipe uses honey to draw out the mellow sweetness of pears.
Ingredients:
6 firm but ripe pears, peeled, cored and halved
1 cup honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Pinch fine sea salt
½ cup dried cranberries
Method:
1. Combine 2½ cups water, honey, lemon juice, and sea salt in large saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Add pears; reduce heat and simmer until tender, turning occasionally, 4 to 6 minutes, depending on ripeness. Using slotted spoon, transfer pears to medium bowl. Boil liquid until reduced to 1 cup syrup, about 22 minutes. Pour syrup over pears. Cover and chill until cold, about 2 hours.
3. Divide pears and syrup among 6 bowls. Top each with a sprinkling of dried cranberries and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of slightly sweetened crème fraîche and a shortbread cookie, if desired.
Season to Season Recipes
Swinging from cloudy and drippy to sunny and crisp, the weather has us—and the gardens—towing the line between summer and fall. Luckily, that mercurial forecast also means that we are enjoying produce from both seasons as summery favorites like heirloom tomatoes, zucchini and peppers continue to delight alongside local Chanterelle mushrooms and fresh fettuccine to toss together for a cozy fall supper. Also included: Pain au Levain bread, Asian pears from the orchard and an Italian red wine so you can toast to whatever season is at hand today.
Here are a few recipe ideas for the week:
Fettuccine with Sautéed Chanterelle Mushrooms
Rich with locally-foraged mushrooms, chicken stock and herbs, this pasta beautifully captures the flavors of fall.
Chicory Salad with Honey-Mustard Vinaigrette
This light and bright dressing is the perfect compliment to peppery chicory greens.
Sautéed Zucchini with Pancetta & Thyme
This simple recipe from the Homegrown Harvest cookbook is packed with smoky-savory flavor.
Broiled Heirloom Tomatoes
Topped with crispy Panko bread crumbs and Grana-style cheese, these beautiful tomatoes are a worthy supper side.
Braised Baby Artichokes
Simmered with white wine and chicken stock, these baby artichokes are melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Honey-Poached Pears with Crème Fraîche
This lovely dessert from Bon Appetit uses honey to draw out the mellow sweetness of fall pears.
Late-Summer Bounty Recipes
From juicy heirloom tomatoes and crisp peppers to fragrant peaches and lemons, summer’s late-season bounty continues this week with a fresh and flavorful meal starring a creamy polenta entree topped by all-natural chicken Italian sausage, smoky-sweet peppers and summer squash. Add alongside a robust red wine, our housemade pickled cauliflower to pair with Pain au Levain bread and Grana-style cheese, plus crisp produce including fresh cranberry beans, cucumbers and baby beets, and you’ve got all the makings of an al fresco feast.
Here are a few recipe ideas for the week:
Polenta with Chicken Italian Sausage & Sautéed Summer Vegetables
This creamy dish is bright with Italian flavors, courtesy of pungent mixed peppers and summer squash.
Chilled Tomato & Peach Soup
This creamy, cold soup is bursting with spicy appeal.
Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad with Basil
Juicy and incredibly crisp, this salad always receives rave reviews.
Fresh Cranberry Beans with Lemon & Olive Oil
A lovely side for a summer barbecue, these beautiful beans are also tossed with fresh herbs.
Grilled Eggplant with Lemon & Mint
Tossed with fresh mint for added brightness, this barbecued eggplant boasts a wonderfully-rich and smoky flavor.
Smoky Bell Pepper & Eggplant Salsa
This smoky salsa is a wonderful boost for burgers, sausages and more.
No-Bake White Peach Crumble
The perfect no-fuss dessert for a hot summer’s day!
