A Tribute to Mom - Poached Pear and Berry Puree

Thanks to all of you who logged on to my blog. I appreciate you taking out the time to read my posts. I’ve had requests to post past dishes that I prepared for friends. If I’ve fixed something for you and you want to know how it was done, let me know and I will try to blog on that particular subject or item.


As you know, it’s time for Mother’s Day again. We get to honor them and give back what they have so selfishly given to us.

I was thinking about moms and cooking and I have noticed that moms with big families make some of the best cooks because they cook for so many. One reason is that they have to cook all the time because it is not very cost effective to eat out every day. Now, cooking daily can be tiresome, so they usually try to make extra so that they only have to cook one meal that will last a few days as opposed to making several meals to feed a lot of children. You got to have some clue as to what are doing in the kitchen to accomplish this task. Don’t get me wrong though…moms with small families can also hold their own too.

I’ve seen mothers who don’t have any culinary experience do some tasty things with food. Really it’s the love for food that really makes a difference on how the food tastes when it’s all said and done. How do I know? Think back…were kids always at your house eating or did you always have someone coming over to eat? If so, congratulations…your mom was probably THAT mom. I know when I was growing up people were always at the house. Everyone from pastors to friends, family, and friends of friends… pretty much anybody came to our house to eat. There were some particular dishes that my mom did some damage too: peach cobbler, blackberry dumplings, oh and you can’t forget the banana pudding! She also made vegetarian gumbo that people went crazy over. Do I know how to make it? Yes, and if I told you I might have to kill you! But seriously, all I’m saying is that my mom is one of the best cooks I know...I’m just saying.

Here is a dish I made for my parents when they came down last year. I want to share this recipe with you. It’s simple and healthy. My mom enjoyed it and I hope you will too.

Poached Pear and Berry Puree Recipe


2 green pears peeled
4 cups of water
1 lemon tea bag
1 tbsp of honey
1 pint of blackberries
½ cup of water from the poaching water
Mint

Serves 4 (depending on how hungry you are)

Bring water to a boil and add tea bag. Add pear and cook for seven minutes. Turn off heat. In a separate sauce pan add ½ cup water from the poaching water (the water from the pears and tea), blackberries, and honey. Bring this to a boil. Put the berry mixture into a blender to make a berry puree.

To plate cut the pears in half length wise. Place it facedown and make four slices in it. Add the berry puree on top. Use the mint for a garnish.

It tastes good and healthy because it’s all fruit.

o my mom Happy Mother’s Day and I love you.

To my mother-in-law and stepmother-in-law, Happy Mother’s Day to you too! Thanks for everything!

Also to my wife who I know will make the perfect mother one day, happy mother’s day to you. I love you so much.

From Chef Randal-- This is how you can add a sweet touch of gourmet to your everyday.