Juicy, fragrant pears are one of fall’s best treats, and they make it easy to create an elegant dessert with just a few ingredients. Whether you poach them, glaze them, or serve them fresh, pears always feel a little special.<\/p>\n
Here are three easy pear desserts to try this season, plus tips on choosing the best pear for each one.<\/p>\n
Each pear variety brings something different to the table, so it helps to match the pear to the recipe.<\/p>\n
Comice Pears<\/a><\/strong> are the sweetest and juiciest of all, with a buttery texture that’s best enjoyed fresh. They’re perfect for a cheese board.<\/p>\n D’Anjou Pears<\/a><\/strong> have firm, dense flesh that holds its shape when cooked, making them ideal for poaching and baking.<\/p>\n Bartlett Pears<\/a><\/strong> are the classic, aromatic pear. They’re wonderful in cooked desserts when slightly underripe.<\/p>\n Holiday Red Pears<\/a><\/strong> add a festive pop of color to platters and dessert tables.<\/p>\n Can’t decide? The Perfect Pear Assortment<\/a> lets you try several varieties at once.<\/p>\n For a no-cook dessert, a pear and cheese board is hard to beat. Sweet, juicy pears balance rich, salty cheeses beautifully.<\/p>\n Core and slice a mix of Comice and Holiday Red Pears and fan them across a platter. Add a few favorite cheeses, such as blue cheese, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Brie, Parmesan, or creamy ch\u00e8vre.<\/p>\n Finish with toasted pecans<\/a> or walnuts and a drizzle of honey. Serve with a glass of port for the pear-fect ending to any meal.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Slice pears just before serving, or brush them with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.<\/p>\n Poached pears look impressive but couldn’t be easier. They simmer gently in a sweet, spiced syrup until tender, then chill overnight to soak up even more flavor.<\/p>\n Serves:<\/strong> 4 | Total Time:<\/strong> 40 minutes, plus cooling<\/p>\n Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n Directions<\/strong><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Choose pears that are slightly underripe. Overripe pears can turn mushy while they simmer.<\/p>\n This warm, cozy dessert comes together in about 15 minutes. Pears caramelize in butter and maple syrup until golden and tender.<\/p>\n Serves:<\/strong> 4 | Total Time:<\/strong> 15 minutes<\/p>\n Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n Directions<\/strong><\/p>\n Looking for more ways to enjoy pears? Bake up our Easy Pear Crisp with Oats and Pecans<\/a> or a loaf of Hale Groves Fresh Pear Bread<\/a>.<\/p>\n Want to learn more about the sweetest pear of all? Read What Are Comice Pears?<\/a><\/p>\nFresh Pear and Cheese Board<\/h3>\n
Simple Poached Pears<\/h3>\n
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Maple-Glazed Pears with Whipped Cream<\/h3>\n
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More Pear Recipes to Try<\/h3>\n
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