Perfect Cubano Recipe

Lickin' the Bowl: Canned pears are perfect all year

I love canned pears straight out of the can (well, I do chill the can, then serve the pears in a bowl). When I was young and pears weren't in season at the market, we had canned pear halves topped with a dollop of Miracle White and grated American cheese. Heavenly.

Although I love the pears plain, the Pacific Northwest Canned Pears Service sent some family-friendly recipes for snacks, appetizers, mains and desserts. You can see more recipes at http://www.eatcannedpears.com/family .

Here area few to try: Pear & Ginger Scones, Chocolate Chip Pear Bars or a Grilled Pear Cubano.

Chocolate Chip

Pear Bars

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 can (15 ounces) Bartlett pears, drained and diced

1-1/4 cup flour

2 cups quick-cooking oats

1 cup (6 ounce package) semi-sweet chocolate chips

In large bowl beat together butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs. Add vanilla, soda and salt; mix well. Beat in pears and flour. Stir in oats and chocolate chips until well blended. Spread evenly in lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.

Bake in 350°F oven 25 to 30 minutes or until done. Cool. Cut into 24 bars.

Pear & Ginger Scones

1 can (15 oz) Bartlett pear slices in juice, drained and juice reserved

2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for shaping)

2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

3 tablespoons minced crystallized ginger

1 large egg

Pear Glaze*

Pre-heat oven 400°F. Dice pear slices; set aside. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt. Mix well. Cut in butter until mixture resembled a coarse meal (can be done in food processor up to this point). Stir in pears and ginger. In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup reserved pear juice and egg, mix well. Stir into flour-butter mixture and mix just to combine and form a dough. Turn out dough onto a well-floured work surface. Sprinkle with flour and gently roll dough into a 12x4-inch rectangle. Cut the rectangle into six triangles.

Beverly's Back Porch: Puerco Cubano

My "back porch" is my kitchen, my favorite room in the house. Come on in, the coffee is fresh, and I just made a pitcher of sweet tea. The cookies will be out in a minute. I have over 40 years of recipes to share with you, along with my opinion on everything. Oh my, you are right, it is cocktail time. What can I get you? Of course I can make you a Mint Julep! Stop by anytime, something is always cooking, and the back door is never locked.