Pear Abundance

This drink will really get your blood flowing! Pears have been steeped in a jar of vodka for 2 weeks - then you mix that elixir with pear nectar, rosemary infused sugar syrup and sparkling water for a refreshing (potentially potent) drink.
Thankfully my computer has now had a complete viral cleansing, so now I can get back to one of my favourite pastimes! Yesterday there was a distinct chill and crispness in the air that did make my yearn for New England with the dramatic colourful foliage, the pumpkin farms and apple picking. It was clear that autumn had arrived, especially as we huddled around our fire last night noting the chill that had descended upon the other rooms of the house. This year I'm going to conquer those drafts once and for all!

One of the benefits of autumn, of course, is the delicious bounty waiting for us in the local shops. Pears are filing the shelves and it's a great time to conjure up some new ideas for cooking with them. In the October 2006 issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine, I found plenty in inspirations. All photographys by Gentl & Hyers.

Soup made with sweet turnip, pumpkin and pears is mixed with cream and a touch of sage and then garnished with beautiful oven dried slices of pear.

A delicious salad with beef carpaccio, pears, arugula and shaved Parmesan is all you need for lunch paired with the soup.

For a hearty dinner, a braised boneless pork loin has been rolled in allspice, coriander and dried mustard. Pears, parsnips, carrots, red pearl onions and white wine finish it off.

An upside down cake uses pears, saffron and ginger to give it a Middle Eastern influence.

This pear has been baked in salt to intensify its flavour and then given a drizzle of caramel sauce and a dusting of salt crystals.

I'm off to plan that pork dish for my family tonight! It will be delicious with pears baked alongside it although my pork will be stuffed with some Gorgonzola cheese and wrapped in bacon. Then I'm going to roast carrots, parsnips and perhaps some beats to give it a hearty autumn flavour.

Happy Cooking - see you tomorrow for Weekend Collector.