Picking a perfect pear

Picking a perfect pear
How do you tell when a pear is ripe? With the exception of Bartletts, most pears don't change color when they're ready to eat.
Here are some tips from the Pear Bureau Northwest for selecting the perfect pear:
*Place hard, unripe pears in a paper bag or covered fruit bowl.
*Check them each day by applying gentle pressure at the stem end.
*Pears are ripe when the neck yields to the pressure.
*Ripe pears will last three to five days in the fridge.
*Have some overripe pears? Turn them into smoothies, soups or sauces.
For more information, visit www.usapears.com.
Table for one
Solo dining can be a challenge when recipes often make quantities that would feed the average American family, with leftovers to spare.
But the American Institute for Cancer Research has developed a new pamphlet with information on how to shop, prepare and store foods for one.
The group suggests setting a table next to a window to enjoy the view, decorating with attractive dishes and a colorful tablecloth, and playing relaxing music.
To receive the free pamphlet, visit www.aicr.org or write to AICR, 1759 R St. N.W., P.O. Box 97167, Washington, DC 20090-7167.
Why stew about brew?
Adagio Teas, an online tea store, has introduced a new teapot that makes brewing loose-leaf tea sure and simple.
The pot features a filtering system that is activated once it is placed atop a cup. A valve at the bottom opens, releasing tea that's free of sediment while a mesh filter retains all the leaves.
The teapot is available at www.adagio.com for $15 for a 16-ounce pot, $19 for a 32-ounce container.
More healthful shortening
Crisco all-vegetable shortening has introduced a green-labeled version that is free of artery-clogging trans fats.
So, how did they do that? The key, according to the company, is the hydrogenation process that turns vegetable oils into a solid. By fully hydrogenating the oil, less trans fats are formed.
Trans fat-free Crisco can be used interchangeably with regular Crisco in baking, frying and cooking. A 1-pound can is about $2.29.
Beginning in January 2006, the Food and Drug Administration will require food manufacturers to start putting the amount of trans fats on the product label.
Zap that pizza
Microwaves and pizza are rarely a match made in heaven; the microwave generally softens the crust into a doughy blob.
But DiGiorno's new Microwave Rising Crust pizzas (which boast a softer crust anyway) are sure to please everyone. Special cooking trays transform the floppy raw pizza into a good-looking meal; directions are clearly written too.
Each 7-inch pizza takes five to six minutes to make. Four-cheese, pepperoni and supreme are offered; each pizza serves two and costs $3.35-$4 in the freezer case at most grocery stores.
Healthful junk food
They aren't the prettiest cookies on the block, but the hearty flavor and nutritious profile make winners out of Bite-lettes from Laura's Wholesome Junk Food.
These small, chewy rounds contain oats as the first ingredient, and dates, not sugar, provide most of the sweetness.
Four varieties are offered: oatmeal chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, banana split and a wheat-free chocolate fudge.
To order by mail, visit online at lauraswholesomejunkfood.com or call (310) 821-9409.