While everyone else is off picking apples at the local orchard, why not give fall pears some love? Dripping with outstanding flavor, pears feature heavily in this collection of 18 peerless recipes. Beyond simply poaching, the oblong fruits are fantastic in everything from tarts to homemade pasta dishes, and can even be made into a tasty fresh juice. Enjoy these refreshing, in-season eats ASAP!
1. Pear Tarte Tatin With Pistachios and Vanilla: Pears stand in for the usual apples in this tasty, (baked) upside-down tart loaded with caramel. (via The Sugar Hit)
2. Pear Cookie Crisps: Crispy oat and flax cookies flecked with candied ginger are tasty on their own, but a sweet pear, pecan and cranberry topping finished with a swirl of caramel sauce takes them to new heights. (via Healthy Nibbles and Bits)
3. Apple and Pear Pancakes: A variety of whole grain flours makes these pancakes an especially good way to start the day. (via Raisin and Fig)
4. Cocoa Pear Chips: It’s incredibly easy to make your own fruit chips at home, and flavoring them with chocolate may be incentive enough to get right on it. (via Food by Mars)
5. Cranberry-Pear Ginger Fizz: Muddled pears and cranberries add delicious, juicy flavor to these gin and ginger beer cocktails. (via Brit + Co)
6. Baked Goat Cheese Salad: How gorge is this layered salad? A combo of lettuce, pears, walnuts and warm rounds of honey-baked goat cheese create to-die-for stacks. (via Dalia’s Kitchen)
7. Roasted Pear Crumble: These personal-sized whole (err, half) fruit crisps are baked until tender with an irresistible, crunchy nut and oat topping. (via Bon Appétit)
8. Brown Butter Pear Crepes: Sautéed pears spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg fill these delicious, brown butter and Frangelico-enhanced crepes drizzled with a touch of maple glaze. (via Tutti Dolci)
9. Pear, Gorgonzola and Walnut Tart: Using store-bought puff pastry for crust means you’ll be enjoying this flaky, sweet and savory tart in practically no time at all. (via Disturbingly Delicious)
10. Cinnamon-Spiced Pear Chia Seed Pudding: Cinnamon-spiced pears create a flavorful topping for creamy protein and fiber-packed breakfast puddings that happen to be vegan and totally good for you. (via Brit + Co)
11. Homemade Pear Nectar: No juicer is required to make this homemade pear nectar! (via Kitchen Highlights)
12. Sweet Spiced Pear Bread: How beautiful is this bread with sliced pears, stems and all, baked right inside and peeking out the top?(via Hungry Couple)
13. Rustic Pear Galette: It may be a bit difficult to work with the crust for this galette, but trust that your efforts will be worth it in the end once you dig into a slice. (via Gluten-Free Vegan Love)
14. Prosciutto Pear Bites: Lemon-tossed pears snuggle up with blue cheese, arugula and a prosciutto wrap to create these party-ready appetizers. (via Garlic My Soul)
15. Focaccia With Caramelized Onions, Blue Cheese and Pear: Enjoy a few slices of this delicious focaccia as a meal in its own right, or serve it alongside your favorite protein — it works well with seafood, chicken and pork alike. (via Eat, Live, Run)
16. Roasted Pears With Balsamic and Lime: You don’t see a lime-pear pairing all that often. When combined with a sprinkle of coconut sugar and vanilla, though, something seriously wonderful is created. (via My Italian Smorgasbord)
17. Pear and Cheese Ravioli: This indulgent recipe for ravioli stuffs mascarpone, pecorino and pears between sheets of homemade butter and egg-enriched pasta. (via Saveur)
18. Baked French Toast With Caramelized Pears and Hazelnuts: Wake up to this assembled-ahead-of-time breakfast that’s perfect for holiday mornings and everyday occasions alike. (via Feasting at Home)
What’s your favorite way to enjoy juicy pears? Share your seasonal eating tips with us in the comments below.