[Photo: Flickr/Public Domain Photos]

Called the "gift of the gods" by epic poet Homer, the juicy and sweet flavors and the soft, somewhat grainy texture of the pear makes the fruit worthy of its heavenly title. Pear season in much of America runs from August to October, though it's available year-round due to the incredible amount of seasonal variations among its different varieties. As we glide though October, "optimal pear usage time" is coming to an end, though any time of year is a great time to whip up one of these pear-based dishes.

Pear Recipes

• Apple (or Pear) Bacon Crisp
• Pear Tarte Tatin With Lemon And Anise
• Chunky Pear Applesauce
• Miss Oleda Halliburton's East Pear Pie On A Baking Sheet
• Arugula, Pear And Goat Cheese Salad
• Pascal Rigo's Goat Cheese Tart With Pears (Tarte Au Chevre Avec Des Poires)
• Pork, Pear And Mushroom Ragu
• Bacon, Pear, And Cheese Sandwich