caramelized pears

caramelized pears, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

to die for..to caramelize pears. Slice 4 pears into 1/4 inch pieces and place in pan with 2 Tbs of melted butter ( only one layer at a time) and cook on medium high heat for about 5 minutes total, turning only once. Half of the pears go into the soup. The other half is used for garnish. I think these would be fabulous in any salad.

Pear-nelope

Pear-nelope
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Art Quilt: Image transfer to cotton and painted with acrylics. Attached to hand dyed cotton batting. Embellished with beaded felt beads, vintage orange buttons, threads and charms from Artgirlz.com. The "cloud" in the corner is a hand painted cloth from an art university class sponsored by Cloth, Paper, Scissors. magazine. Pear-nelope makes me smile

pear & persimmon

pear & persimmon
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

One more look at persimmons through the pear's eyes this time. This ripened Hachiya persimmon was ready to be eaten so I cut it in half and scooped some out. I have eaten many of the Fuyu variety but this is the first Hachiya for me. Delicious!

Salad of persimmons, pears and pomegranates with grape vinaigrette

Salad of persimmons, pears and pomegranates with grape vinaigrette
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

from Alice Waters' "Fruit"
As you know by now I am on a persimmon frenzy. The ingredients are simple: Fuyu persimmons, pomegranate seeds, ripe pears, grapes (if you can find wine grapes, even better) frisee & radicchio The dressing is not so simple but really tasty: 1Tbs sherry wine vinegar & 1/2 cup grapes mashed together; season with salt and let stand 5 minutes. Then add pepper and 1/4 cup olive oil; blend all together and add to the mix of fruits and lettuces. Enjoy!

Pear-nelope Cruz

Penelope Pear
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

Today was the first of a series of 6 classes on Art Quilts, taught by mixed media artist, Jane LaFazi0: janeville.blogspot.com/  Jane teaches through many media including online classes and an upcoming art adventure in Italy! Visit her blog. Today we were to find a picture of a simple image and then using a light box transfer it to high count white muslin. I chose a magazine photo but in placing the page on the light box there were lips in the middle of the pear. The image from the back of the page made it difficult to see the pear. I decided that the lips had to stay along with Penelope Cruz' eyes. Well a blue version.

Bartlett Pear 94024, Poached Pears

Bartlett Pear 94024
Originally uploaded by cabanagirl

This is a beautiful pear that I bought 6 days ago at Whole Foods Market. It has ripened to a beautiful greeny yellow. I know it is a Bartlett because of its PLU. Does anyone know what PLU is short for? I figure the P is produce. 

POACHED PEARS:

1/2 vanilla bean, split & scraped

1 bottle champagne or dry white wine

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 cup sugar

1 cinnamon stick

1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger

zest of a lemon

firm but ripe Bartlett pears, peeled

1. In large saucepan over medium heat, combine vanilla bean & scraping with rest of ingredients except pears.  Bring to boil.

2. Add pears, lower heat, and cover with a pot lid slightly smaller than pan to keep pears submerged.  Cook until tender, 20 -30 minutes.  If necessary, turn pears gently so they cook evenly.

3. Transfer pears & liquid to a bowl, and refrigerated, covered, for at least 6 hours, preferable overnight.

Enjoy!

originally from Martha Stewart's Holidays