Welcome Winter's Chill With the Taste of Fresh Pears

(NewsUSA) - Winter is here. While thoughts of orchards hanging heavy with fruit may feel like a distant memory, fresh, U.S.-grown pears are at their prime. This year's pear crop -- as many as 10 varieties -- are in stores now, and abundant throughout the winter months.

Eating nutrient-packed pears as a snack or as part of a meal is a great way to meet the daily recommendation of fruit this season. Sweet and juicy with no fat, no sodium and no cholesterol, pears are an excellent source of fiber (24 percent Daily Value) and a good source of vitamin C (10 percent DV) for only 100 calories per medium-sized pear.

In addition, a recent study revealed new information regarding the health benefits of pear consumption. The study found that adult pear consumers had a lower body weight than non-pear consumers, and they were 35 percent less likely to be obese.

Fresh, earthy pears are a portable, wholesome treat and a perfect addition to sweet and savory dishes. These chicken and crunchy pear lettuce wraps combine crisp Anjou pears with lean, protein-rich ground chicken for a budget- and family-friendly winter meal.

Ingredients:

* 1 tablespoon cornstarch

* 2 tablespoons peanut oil

* 1 tablespoon minced garlic

* 1-1/2 tablespoons grated ginger root

* 6 scallions, thinly sliced, green and white parts separated

* 1 pound ground chicken, dark meat

* 1 tablespoon chili sauce

* 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

* 2 tablespoons soy sauce

* 1 USA Pear, such as Red Anjou or Bosc, peeled, cored and cut in matchsticks

* Toasted sesame oil to taste

* 12 large tender lettuce leaves, such as bib, butter or red leaf

* Cilantro sprigs

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to form a smooth paste and set aside. Warm the peanut oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the scallion and stir-fry until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook, stirring frequently until it breaks into small pieces and is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.

Add the chili sauce, hoisin sauce and soy sauce, stirring to combine and evenly distribute the ingredients. Add the reserved cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce is clear. Finish with the reserved scallion greens, pear matchsticks and a splash of sesame oil.

To serve:

Place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the middle of a lettuce leaf with a few cilantro leaves, if desired. Wrap the lettuce around the contents and eat.

For more delicious recipes, please visit www.usapears.org.