Late summer and mid-autumn are abundantly graced by the presence of pears—an iconic fruit grown and loved worldwide—pears are said to have been sacred to two goddesses in Greek mythology, Hera and Aphrodite. Originating in the foothills of the Tien Shan mountain range in Western China, pears, or Pyrus communis, are part of the Rosaceae plant family….

When it comes to a dessert, a baked upside-down anything is a winner—even when it’s a mistake. A tarte Tatin is a classic French upside-down fruit tart, traditionally made with apples. It’s named for the Tatin sisters, who created the upside-down caramelized tart, purportedly by accident, in Lamotte-Beuvron, France, in 1898. Legend has it that…

Q: My local nursery is selling fruit trees at a discount because they are getting ready for fall. I have been trying to decide if I want to plant a peach tree or a pear tree. I think I really only have room for one tree. I have read that I need to get two…

A classic of French bistro menus, poires belle Hélène is a dessert of sweet and gently spiced poached pears served with vanilla ice cream and draped under a glossy sheet of warm chocolate sauce. It plays the part of an elegant and indulgent dessert, yet it’s incredibly simple to make. The invention of the dessert…

Money may not grow on trees, but golden treasure does. Though they are called green Anjou pears, the bell-shaped fruits glistening in the October morning sun on a 20-foot tree at Kiyokawa Family Orchards, in Oregon’s Hood River Valley, exhibit a topaz sheen that makes them look like foot-sized jewels. “They’re on the sunny side…

This easy, impressive dessert from chef Ben Stenn showcases pears in a flaky puff pastry crust: “The pastry puffs up around the fruit and the juices cook down and concentrate the flavors.” Choose firm pears that will soften as they bake but still hold their shape. Serves 6 2 Starkrimson, Comice, Taylor’s Gold, or Bosc…

The Waldorf salad may be traditionally made with apples, but we love it with the soft, seductive sweetness of ripe pears. Instead of gloppy mayonnaise, we toss crisp celery and fennel, toasted walnuts, grapes, and those succulent pears with Greek yogurt for a tangy take. Fresh herbs and sunflower seeds add texture and a modern…

This easy flatbread is made extra delicious with onions, gorgonzola, and a balsamic glaze finish. It can also be gluten-free friendly. Serves 4 12 ounces pizza dough, homemade or store-bought, or naan Oil 1 small red onion, sliced 1 medium pear, thinly sliced 1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola 1/4 cup chopped walnuts Arugula For the Balsamic…

Whether served for breakfast or even dessert, this simple dish balances the warm sweetness of roasted pears and honey with creamy yogurt. It can be eaten any time of year, but it feels especially appropriate during autumn and winter when the flavors complement toasty days spent curled up on the couch or celebrating the holidays…