Pears With Licorice, Manchego, or Almonds: Hedy Says Try It All!

Lesley Elliott

Seckel pears with pistachio pear baklava, local honeycomb and Greek frozen yogurt.

​We know she has sweet and salty sides, which is why her desserts are always such a delight. Even for food aficionados who embrace savory, saving room at Michael's Genuine for executive pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith's creations is of paramount importance.

We were treated to a tasting menu last night that highlighted the many varieties of pears, an ingredient that Goldsmith loves to work with. "Pears are my favorite autumn fruit, they are incredibly versatile and hold up really well with different cooking processes."

The best part of being an adult is that no one can tell you that it's inappropriate to eat dessert for dinner.

We also received a pear tutorial courtesy of a PR pack representing the "Pear Bureau" who literally answered every pear-related question without faltering. Example: we had no idea the Pacific Northwest is accountable for every single pear we eat, and they are expecting to harvest 420,000 tons of pears, the third largest crop on record.

The pear picking starts in August with Starkrimson and Barletts, and then continues through October with Seckels, Bosc, and Forelles. The season lasts thru spring, and apparently pears store really well because they don't ripen on the tree. They also have a cute, kitschy slogan that insists "the time is ripe for pears."

So how to tell if a pear is ripe? Pears ripen from the inside out, so check the neck by applying a bit of pressure, and if it's slightly soft, it's ready to eat. Oh, and don't leave them in the refrigerator, unless you are prepared for the ripening process to take a very long time.

Goldsmith says that she will be adding pear desserts to the menu at MGFD, a few have already made it on to tasting menus for special events.

Lesley Elliott

Wood roasted pears with maple flan and ginger snap-licorice ice cream sandwich.

​

Lesley Elliott

A pear panini with manchego and membrillo slathered on warm bread, and Marcona almond praline.

​

Crispy stout battered pears with a drizzle of local honey.

​Follow Short Order on Facebook and Twitter @Short_Order.