Apples and Pears

Apples…hmmm….an apple a day keeps the doctor at bay? In any case, together with bananas, apples are probably some of the most common fruits we have in our kitchens. But however many apples we eat, I always end up having a few that will sit, …and sit…becoming increasingly wrinkled.

The same applies to pears!! In our house, pears seem to be more appetizing when slightly hard and crisp. When I end up having these left over pears, instead of throwing them out, I end up making pear muffins, pear pies, sorbets and if they are not too soft – I add them to a salad. They are amazing mixed with rocket salad, baby spinach, goats cheese, blue cheese or feta cheese, nuts and more. Actually – pears are very versatile. And often, you can use either in the recipe or actually mix apple and pears. You can make the most wonderful apple/sauces and cakes as the taste actually complements one another.

In any case – don’t discard either of them. Cut them, chop them, slice them – use them for a cake, muffins, sauces for pork chops, apple sauce for crepes or other desserts…thinking of it – it might be nice as a topping on ice cream? What I am trying to say – use it!!

On a note – pears tend to be more juicy. If you follow a recipe but use pear instead of apple, cut a bit back on the moisture.