Skip to main content

Top Five Recipes for Cosmic & Bartlett Pears


Cosmic Pears 🍐 

Five delicious and heart-healthy recipes featuring Cosmic Crisp (or Bartlett) pears straight from your tree or grocery store, walnuts/pecans, and honey/maple syrup. I've included estimated nutritional information, but keep in mind these are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

General Notes:

* Pears: Choose ripe but firm pears. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure near the stem.

* Nuts: Walnuts and pecans can be used interchangeably in most recipes. Toasting them enhances their flavor.

* Sweetener: Honey and maple syrup offer different flavor profiles. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.

* Heart Healthy: These recipes emphasize whole, unprocessed ingredients and moderate amounts of natural sweeteners and healthy fats.

* Nutritional Information: Estimates are per serving and are based on using average-sized pears, walnuts, and honey.

Recipe 1: Honey-Glazed Pear & Walnut Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette (Italian Inspired)

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired Salad

Dietary: Heart-healthy, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients:

* 2 Cosmic Crisp or Bartlett pears, cored and sliced

* 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted

* 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)

* 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional, can omit for dairy-free)

* Balsamic Vinaigrette:

* 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

* 1 tablespoon honey

* 6 tablespoons olive oil

* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pears: Core and thinly slice the pears.

2. Toast the Walnuts: Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

3. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced pears, and toasted walnuts.

5. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese (if using). Serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes (including toasting walnuts)

Serving Suggestions: Serve as a light lunch, a side dish, or an appetizer. Pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Nutritional Information (per serving, without goat cheese):

* Calories: ~250

* Protein: ~3g

* Carbs: ~20g

* Fat: ~18g

Recipe 2: Baked Pears with Honey & Pecan Crumble (American Inspired)

Cuisine: American Dessert

Dietary: Heart-healthy, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free oats)

Ingredients:

* 2 Cosmic Crisp or Bartlett pears, halved and cored

* 2 tablespoons honey

* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* Pecan Crumble:

* 1/4 cup rolled oats

* 1/4 cup pecans, chopped

* 2 tablespoons honey

* 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Pears: Halve and core the pears. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish.

3. Sweeten the Pears: Drizzle each pear half with 1/2 tablespoon of honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.

4. Make the Crumble: In a small bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped pecans, honey, and melted coconut oil. Mix well.

5. Top the Pears: Spoon the pecan crumble mixture evenly over the pear halves.

6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the crumble is golden brown.

7. Cool Slightly: Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including prep)

Serving Suggestions: Serve warm, topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream (optional).

Nutritional Information (per serving, without yogurt/ice cream):

* Calories: ~300

* Protein: ~4g

* Carbs: ~40g

* Fat: ~15g

Recipe 3: Pear & Walnut Toast with Honey Drizzle (Scandinavian Inspired)

Cuisine: Scandinavian Open-Faced Sandwich

Dietary: Heart-healthy, Vegetarian

Ingredients:

* 2 slices whole-grain bread, toasted

* 1 Cosmic Crisp or Bartlett pear, thinly sliced

* 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (or ricotta cheese)

* 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

* 1 tablespoon honey

* Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toast the Bread: Toast the whole-grain bread to your desired level of crispness.

2. Spread the Cheese: Spread softened cream cheese evenly over each slice of toast.

3. Arrange the Pears: Arrange thin slices of pear over the cream cheese.

4. Top with Walnuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the pears.

5. Drizzle with Honey: Drizzle honey over the toast.

6. Season (Optional): Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and savory flavor.

Cooking Time: 5 minutes (including toasting)

Serving Suggestions: Serve as a quick breakfast, snack, or light lunch.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

* Calories: ~350

* Protein: ~8g

* Carbs: ~40g

* Fat: ~18g

Recipe 4: Pear, Walnut & Honey Quesadillas (Mexican Inspired)

Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired Snack

Dietary: Heart-healthy, Vegetarian

Ingredients:

* 4 whole-wheat tortillas

* 1 Cosmic Crisp or Bartlett pear, thinly sliced

* 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

* 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese)

* 2 tablespoons honey

* 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Assemble Quesadillas: On half of each tortilla, arrange pear slices, walnuts, and shredded cheese. Drizzle with honey.

2. Fold Tortillas: Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling.

3. Cook Quesadillas: Heat butter or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

4. Cook: Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

5. Cut & Serve: Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Serving Suggestions: Serve as a snack, appetizer, or light lunch.

Nutritional Information (per serving - 2 quesadillas):

* Calories: ~400

* Protein: ~12g

* Carbs: ~50g

* Fat: ~20g

Recipe 5: Spiced Pear & Walnut Oatmeal (Asian Inspired)

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired Breakfast

Dietary: Heart-healthy, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free oats)

Ingredients:

* 1 cup rolled oats

* 2 cups water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)

* 1 Cosmic Crisp or Bartlett pear, diced

* 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

* 2 tablespoons honey

* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine rolled oats, water or milk, diced pear, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.

2. Cook: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the oatmeal is creamy and the pears are tender. Stir occasionally.

3. Sweeten & Top: Stir in honey. Pour into bowls and top with chopped walnuts.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Serving Suggestions: Serve warm as a hearty and healthy breakfast.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

* Calories: ~350

* Protein: ~8g

* Carbs: ~50g

* Fat: ~15g

Enjoy these delicious and heart-healthy pear recipes! Remember to adjust the sweetness and nut quantities to your personal preference. Bon appétit!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

My Tex-Mex Meatloaf

Tex-Mex Meatloaf My Tex-Mex Meatloaf Ingredients:  1 lb. ground sirloin meat 1 lb. ground sausage 2 slices of toasted white or wheat bread finely crumbled or 1 cup croutons crushed * 1 - 4.5 oz. can diced mild green chilies 1 med. sweet yellow onion chopped 8 oz. shredded or small cubes of medium cheddar cheese or co-jack cheese (reserve 1/2) 1/2 c. medium salsa (or hot if you like it extra spicy) 1 egg slightly beaten 3 cloves of garlic pressed or crushed 2 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. ground cumin 2 tsp. dried oregano 1/2 cup of fresh chopped cilantro 1 tsp. sea salt Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Mix all the ingredients together except 1/2 the cheese set aside. Make sure it is all blended together. Form it in a large loaf pan or any pan that will fit your meatloaf and still gives it room to release the fluids around it without spilling over. You can even use a cast iron skillet and make it round instead of loaf shaped. Cook for 1.5 - 2.0 hours. Check after 1.5 hours to see if don...

My Mother's Handwritten Recipes

Handwritten Recipe laser-engraved on Maple wood New Orleans Style Bread Pudding  Dilled Potato Salad Chicken Noodle Strudel

Morning Strawberry Protein Shake

Garden Strawberries So, I like strawberries, and it is the season for all of us back yard growers to start picking! I downsized my plot of plants, but I still have some to pick periodically as they ripen.  The local farms should be ready for the "you pick deals" from June - mid July now! There are quite a few growers in the PNW to choose from. A local favorite is the  Biringer Farm , you can check out their website for more information.  After, of course, the morning coffee, I will make my breakfast shake. It consists of one cup of unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened coconut milk, or unsweetened oat milk. Normally when watching calories, I will opt for almond or coconut milk. I also like at times to mix all three to make one full cup!  I will add one scoop of whey, my morning vitamin, and one cup of frozen strawberries. Sometimes I will add a frozen banana or frozen blueberries. My favorite is just using strawberries. I blend this for about a minute to make sure eve...