This happened to me the other day. I believe I was dwelling on upcoming assignments for my students, engrossed in the subleties of business writing...and WHAM! Into the forefront of my thoughts charges the memory of my mama's pear salad. "Where did that come from?" I thought. I haven't thought about or even had Mama's pear salad in ages. I was taken aback by the sudden memory, and then the longing for a bite of that sweet pear yummy-ness.
I've never seen or found this version of pear salad outside of the South. I believe there was once a generation of women who, at one time or another, routinely served this pear salad on their table. It was a staple of Mama's spring and summer menus, and always served at Easter.
So, this year, for the first time in many years, I'll be serving it on our Easter table. I'm afraid this old fashioned, southern Pear Salad may be one of those dying recipes from our past. I'm determined to keep it remembered, as generations of the women of my family did. Its simple, its good, its southern.
Pear Salad
1 can of pear halves, drained. (Save the pear juice for something else.)
Mayonnaise (preferably Dukes or Blue Plate)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Maraschino cherries (whole or half, I like halves)
Simply place the pear halves on a pretty plate. Add a dollop of mayo to the little pitted center of the pear. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar. Add the cherry on top.
Sweet...tangy...tart...yum!
7 comments:
When I was young I wouldn't touch pear salad. Thankfully my tastes have changed over the years and I think I would like it now.
I remember my mom and grandma would use cottage cheese in place of the mayo.
Oh.my.word! I had this growing up in California! I haven't thought a bit about it until now! Wow! Thanks for the sweetness of past memories : )
Hi, again. I totally think the chicken (that you asked about on my blog) would be fine without the flour. I used rice flour (since we are gluten-free) but I don't think it added anything to the dish at all. Have a sweet start of the new week : ).
Wow. Seeing your pear salad picture made me feel like I was eight again. I used to love this dish when my mom made it! I think it will be on our Easter table as well.
Oh my... we had this when I was growing up. It was actually a favorite of mine but I probably haven't had it in 25-30 years. I may add it to out dinner one night very soon. Thanks for another great memory!
Mom loved this Pear Salad. She made it without the cherry, probably just didn't think about it. She loved the idea of color and the freshness it added to the meal. I never cared for it, but am tempted to make it in her memory. Thanks so much for the post. It was very touching.
Lettuce leaf, bed of Cottage Cheese, Pear Half, Mayo, Cheddar Cheese with a Cherry on top.
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