Kentucky Proud pears...

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Kentucky Proud pears are available from mid August through November.  (USDA photo by Scott Bauer)

Selecting Kentucky Proud pears

Bartlett pears are the best known and most abundant of the available pear varieties.   The best way to judge a pear's ripeness is by looking at its color.  A Bartlett pear is green when it's unripe.  When ripe, it changes to yellow.  Other varieties might have a different ripe color.  Look for pears that have no bruises or skin injuries.   Buy pears that are firm to the touch at the store.  They will soften as they ripen at home.

Storing Kentucky Proud pears

If the pears aren't quite ripe yet, store them in a loosely closed paper bag at room temperature until the flesh responds to gentle pressure at the neck of the pear.  Check them daily for ripeness.  Handle pears gently, because they bruise easily.  Bruised pears decay rapidly.  When pears are ripe, you should store them in the refrigerator for a few days.

A Kentucky Proud favorite:  Baked Kentucky Proud Ham with Pears

You'll need:

3 fresh Kentucky Proud pears

1 cup canned whole berry cranberry sauce

1 teaspoon grated orange rind

1/4 cup orange juice

dash of salt

2 tablespoons melted butter

1/4 cup roasted almonds

1 baked Kentucky Proud ham

Peel, halve and core pears.  Place them cut side up in a baking dish.  Mix together all remaining ingredients except ham.  Spoon into pear halves, pouring liquid over and around pears.  Cover dish tightly and bake in 350 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes.  Serve warm with baked ham. 

Yield:  6 servings.

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Check out other great Kentucky Proud recipes.