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Autumn Harvest Salad with Cheddar, Grapes, Pear, and Maple Crunch Topping
Autumn arrives with an abundance of cool-weather greens and a new crop of fruit, both of which are made better with the toasty edge this maple crunch topping lends to a seasonal salad. The ingredients are fit for a cheese plate, so opt for the best aged cheddar you can find. Bosc pears add their bronze color and characteristic juiciness to the mix, and a dressing with reduced apple cider contributes more classic fall fruit goodness. When making the maple crunch topping, feel free to use your preferred nuts and/or seeds or make use of what you already have on hand in the pantry. A combination of pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds,…
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Wheat Berry Salad with Roasted Squash, Spinach and Pear
Finally there is a chill to the air, and we can settle into my favorite part of autumn, the stretch leading up to Thanksgiving. The leaves have been whipping around my yard, and blustery days have me craving heartier salads with ingredients such as those in this wheat berry recipe. Roasted Honeynut squash and pear deliver peak fall flavors while the wheat berries themselves lend the characteristic nutty, slightly chewy texture that give this grain salad the substance we seek as coats and mittens slowly become essential. Freshly made, this vegan dish can be enjoyed warm or room temperature and makes a great Thanksgiving side. Ahead of her time in…
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Maple Pear Sparkler
A sparkling pear drink complements the dishes of fall, offering a refreshing accompaniment to warm spices and hearty meals. This sparkler combines pear juice, maple simple syrup, and a touch of fresh pomegranate and lemon for a festive drink fit for the Thanksgiving table. Bubbles are contributed by mineral water though sparkling white wine such as Prosecco does the trick as well, making this a drink that easily transforms from non-alcoholic to full-on cocktail. Slip a thinly sliced pear into the glass as a garnish, and for an even more festive touch, brûlée it first. Along with garnishes and drink recipes, I discuss mixology according to the seasons in my…
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Pear White Sangria
Sangria can be served long past summer’s end. With fresh pears available for months to come, this crisp and lightly sweet white sangria recipe is a batch drink to enjoy throughout the year. For now, the addition of elderflower liqueur brings out the most summery flavor of ripe pear slices. Once chillier days are upon us, it adds a bit of warmth to the crispness of pear. When making white sangria, I prefer to use sauvignon blanc, as it lends the herbaceous flavor that I love to each drink. Fruit and wine are a classic combination made even better with this additional note. I also skip the added sugar that…
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Onion Jam Tart with Cheddar Crust
Jammy onions require a crust that can stand up to their bold flavor, which is how this recipe came to be. Packed with sharp cheese, the cheddar pastry may remind you of a cheese straw. In fact, the whole tart may remind you of your favorite parts of a cheese board, where you often find balsamic onion jam, sliced fruit, and, of course, a perfectly sharp cheddar. Thinly sliced apples and pears top off the sweet and savory goodness before it heads to the oven. As an appetizer, this tart can certainly take the place of a cheese board or accompany charcuterie. For lunch, it pairs well with a simple…
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