3 ways with ... Pears

Pears are great in salads, alternatively, they are great in baking recipes. Photo / NZ Listener

Autumn salad
Pair the sweetness of new season pears with a bitter watercress or rocket leaf, roasted walnuts and orange segments and a tangy viniagrette. For added protein, add quickly seared prawns, shaved parmesan or a crumbly blue cheese.

What a tart
Instead of apples, use sliced, fairly firm pears in your tarte tatin: saute pears in butter and brown sugar in an oven-proof pan, top with sweet short pastry and bake in the oven. Turn out on a plate and serve with lashings of cream or mascarpone.

Let's dance
Chop up a salsa with a difference: pears, pineapple, a touch of chilli, perhaps some chopped herbs. Excellent to cut the richness of a caramelised pork belly.