Autumn Pear Chip Recipes

AUTUMN PEAR BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine the eggs, buttermilk and vanilla; stir into the flour mixture just until moistened. Fold in pears., Spoon into 2 greased 5-3/4x3x2-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

PEAR CHIPS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat (such as a Silpat); set aside.
• In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil; cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved, about 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; keep at a simmer as you proceed.
• Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slice pear lengthwise as thinly as possible; make sure that each slice remains intact and is uniformly thick. Do not worry about removing seeds or the core (they soften during baking). Squeeze lemon halves over pear slices, coating both sides with juice. Place slices in simmering syrup; cook 2 minutes. Remove slices with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
• Bake pear slices until they are dry to the touch, about 2 hours. Using a small offset spatula, loosen edges of slices; use your hands to peel pears from the sheet, then flip them over. Return pears to oven; bake, checking frequently, until chips are completely dry and crisp (but not browned), about 20 minutes.

AUTUMN PEAR CHIP

Steps:

• Swirl poire Williams in 2 glasses to coat; discard poire Williams. Using muddler or handle of wooden spoon, mash ginger in cocktail shaker. Add Calvados, pear juice, lemon juice, and ice; shake well. Strain into glasses. Garnish each with pear crisp.