The Pacific Northwest Canned Pear Service (PNCPS) has announced the three winners of its 5^th CAN-DO Challenge. The contest was open to non-commercial foodservice operators who were invited to share creative ways they used U.S. grown canned Bartlett pears on menus. The PNCPS congratulates the 2023 winners:

1st Place: Spiced Pear Sharlotka
Recipe By: Callie Gavorek, MS, RD, CC, FMP, SNS, Canton, Mich.            

2nd Place: Pear Marinated Korean Bulgogi & Chilled Pear Cucumber Kimchi
Camile Korenek, Assistant Director Housing and Dining/Registered Dietitian, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan.

3rd Place: Chilean Pumpkin & Pear Empanadas
Chef Andrew Francisco, Associate Director of Culinary Operations, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Mich.

“We continue to see the versatility of U.S. grown canned pears come through in the entries to our contest,” noted Susan Renke, promotion director for PNCPS. “This year’s winning recipes were inspired by global flavors and food traditions from Korea, Chile, and Russia.”

The PNCPS is also offering a free Tips and Tricks downloadable PDF that includes information on how to add flavor and texture, save time, reduce food waste, and maintain consistency with canned pears. Click here to view the PDF.