Two Perfectly Pear-ed Dishes (Recipes!)

Sweet (but can be made savoury), satisfying and in season, make these pear-inclusive recipes at home! —Vita Daily

Warm Pear Pad Thai Salad

Peanut Dressing:
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Thai fish sauce
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon Thai red curry paste

Pear Pad Thai Salad:
2 firm ripe pears, julienned (do not peel)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
8 ounces pad Thai noodles, rice ramen noodles or soba noodles
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 carrot, julienned
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions including some of the bright green
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus additional for garnish
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

In a bowl, whisk all the Peanut Dressing ingredients together until well blended; set aside. In another bowl, toss pears with lime juice; set aside. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain noodles. In large bowl, toss noodles with sesame oil and 1/4 cup of dressing. Add pears, including the lime juice, bell peppers, carrot, scallions and cilantro; toss to combine. Pour remaining dressing over salad; toss again. Sprinkle with peanuts and sesame seeds. Garnish with cilantro. Serves 6.

Savoury Pear Pizza

1 prepared pizza dough crust
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh thyme
2 ounces grated fresh Parmesan cheese
3 ounces chopped prosciutto
1 Red Anjou or Green Anjou pear, cored and thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place pizza crust on baking sheet. Spread olive oil and garlic over the pizza crust. Top with cheese, prosciutto, pear slices and thyme. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Slice and serve.

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