245 searing recipes

Along the coast of the Southern US eating Hoppin' John on New Year's Day is thought to bring a year filled with luck and prosperity. The beans symbolize coins or pennies. Sometimes a penny is added to the pot or can be left under the bowls of Hoppin' John. Greens such as Collards, chard or kale can be added and symbolize the color of money and are said to add to ones wealth in the new year. The day after New Year's Day the leftovers are called "Skippin' Jenny," and further demonstrates one's frugality. A common tradition in the south US is each person at the meal should leave three peas on their plate to ensure the New Year will be filled with Luck, Fortune and Romance. Another tradition holds that counting the number of peas in a serving predicts the amount of luck (or wealth) that will be collected over the next year.

Birnensuppe, a chilled German pear soup scented with cinnamon and star anise, studded with sherry-soaked raisins and brightened with lemon. Silky, elegant, and refreshing. Serves 2.

Old-fashioned Pennsylvania Dutch pickled pears: whole or sliced pears poached in spiced apple cider vinegar syrup with cloves and cinnamon. Traditional canning recipe for the holiday relish tray.

Pears Melba with Bosc pears poached in Marsala and dry wine syrup, served over vanilla ice cream with pureed raspberry sauce. A classic French dessert with elegant simplicity.

A silky no-cook chilled soup blending canned apricots and pears with yogurt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Light, refreshing, and ready in minutes. The perfect summer starter.

Crispy dried pear chips made by slicing pears paper-thin, dipping in simple syrup, and slow-baking until dehydrated. A two-ingredient snack and elegant garnish for desserts, salads, and cheese boards.

Ruby pears poached in Beaujolais wine with currant jelly, rosemary, vanilla bean, and whole cloves. Pressure cooked and chilled 24 hours for deep ruby color.

Pear butter made with 12 fresh pears simmered in sweet wine, water, and honey until thick and spreadable. A 4-ingredient fruit butter with no added sugar.

Elegant baked pear halves glazed with chutney and apple juice, dotted with butter and basted until tender and glossy. A refined side dish or light dessert that serves 12.

Baked figs and pears spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar, served warm straight from the dish. A naturally sweet, no-fuss breakfast or light dessert built on just five ingredients.

Old-fashioned pear harlequin preserves with pineapple, orange, and maraschino cherries. A colorful sweet conserve with the look of stained glass in the jar.

Whole pears poached in spiced white wine with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, vanilla bean, and citrus zest, served warm with burnt sugar ice cream. An elegant make-ahead dessert.

Pears baked in honey with lemon juice, oven-poached until tender and served chilled with a reduced honey syrup. A refined British dessert with just four ingredients and elegant simplicity.

Poached pears in a raspberry-apple juice sauce with lemon zest. An elegant, light fruit dessert served warm or chilled with a jewel-toned syrup that needs no added sugar.

Blended pear and ginger dessert made with ripe pears, fresh lemon juice, and a sliver of ginger. A three-ingredient, no-cook fruit puree ready in 10 minutes.

Chinese steamed pears in a cinnamon sugar syrup, gently cooked until tender then drizzled with reduced syrup. Four ingredients, elegant, and served warm or chilled.