Check out this collection of fun ways to feature pears during Pear Month this December!Pears can be wonderful holiday centerpieces, party platter ingredients, and even gifts!Pear Centerpiece:Materials:

• 12 pears, preferably different colors (we used 3 different types: Comice, Bosc, and Red Bartlett)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• Large clear decorative bowl or vase

Directions:

1. Place half the cranberries on the bottom of the bowl or vase.
2. Layer pears on top of the cranberries in a decorative pattern.
3. Sprinkle remaining cranberries over the top of the pears.
4. Keep chilled until ready for use.
5. Use as a centerpiece during dinner. As a bonus, serve it for dessert.

Tasty Pear Salad:Ingredients:

• 8 cups mixed greens, washed
• 2 sliced Red Bartlett pears
• 1/4 cup sliced dried figs
• 1/4 cup mixed dried fruit: golden raisins, blueberries, cranberries
• 2 tablespoons toasted walnut pieces
• Balsamic vinegar to taste

Directions:

1. Place the greens in a large bowl and top with pears, figs, dried fruit and walnut pieces.
2. Serve vinegar on the side.

Dried Fruit Gift Platter:This is a healthier alternative to cookies -- and it's easier too!Materials:

• 1/2 cup dried pears
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup dried blueberries
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup halved dried figs (cutting them in half makes them much prettier)

Directions

1. Make a fun and decorative pattern with dried fruits.
2. Consider using a spiral dish.
3. You could also layer the fruit in a mason jar for easy gifting!

Heeeeeeeeeere's the handout!And here are a few more of my favorite things from the Nutrition Education Store...