What can I do with this fruit? 

Chef Tissany Gilmore

Portrait by Gloria Towne - All Around Towne Photography

Have you ever walked through a farmers market, spotted an ingredient you would not normally cook with and wondered: What can I do with this? 

That question is one of my favorite parts of being a chef. 

Pumpkin season is here, and while pumpkin spice is everywhere, I wanted to create something a little different. I was inspired to make gluten-free pumpkin ravioli with a warm, savory filling. 

But as I shopped for ingredients, another fruit caught my attention: pears. 

I saw several beautiful varieties, including Asian and Bartlett pears. I chose Bartlett pears and began thinking about how to turn this familiar fruit into something beyond a simple snack. 

That inspiration led me to create a seasonal pear bread, allowing the fruit's natural sweetness and tender texture to shine. 

As a chef, I love taking familiar ingredients and presenting them in new ways. Pears can be roasted, baked into bread, poached for dessert or sautéed, and served alongside a savory meal. One ingredient can inspire several dishes, depending on how you prepare it. 

As I gathered my ingredients and prepared to bake, I thought about my childhood in New Jersey. I remember visiting orchards and picking fresh fruit. Apples, pears and other seasonal fruits were part of those experiences. We could see where our food came from and enjoy it freshly. 

I especially remember my mother bringing home apples from the orchard and turning them into homemade apple pie. Those memories have stayed with me, reminding me how food connects us to our families, our communities, and our past. 

Today, I wonder how we can make more room for those simple experiences in our busy lives. We do not always need an elaborate recipe or a special occasion to enjoy seasonal food. Sometimes, all we need is one good ingredient and the willingness to try something new. 

Finding fresh produce close to home 

We do not have to shop at a farmers market to enjoy seasonal produce. Grocery stores and food co-ops also offer fruits and vegetables throughout the year. In the Lacey–Olympia area, shoppers can visit WinCo Foods, Safeway, Fred Meyer and Trader Joe's.  

Thurston County residents also have several opportunities to explore farmers markets and support local growers. The Olympia Farmers Market operates year-round, with expanded days during spring and summer.  

For current operating hours and food-access information, visit Olympia Farmers Market market hours & seasons. 

For residents who need additional help accessing fresh produce, the Thurston County Food Bank operates a seasonal Lacey Farm Stand offering free produce on select dates.  

Wherever you shop, look for produce that appeals to you and think about how you might use it in more than one meal. 

Start with one ingredient 

The next time you shop, choose one seasonal ingredient you do not normally buy. A pear, for example, can become: 

• Breakfast: Add sliced pears to oatmeal or bake them into muffins or bread. 

• A snack: Pair fresh pear slices with nut butter or cheese. 

• A side dish: Roast pears with root vegetables or sauté them with onions and herbs. 

• Dessert: Poach pears with cinnamon and ginger or bake them with a little honey. 

• A savory meal: Add sliced pears to a salad with greens, toasted nuts and a simple vinaigrette. 

Before you leave the store or market, consider what else you already have at home. A few pears might become breakfast one morning and a salad topping the next day. Planning more than one use for an ingredient can help reduce food waste and make grocery shopping more worthwhile. 

You can apply the same idea to other seasonal foods. Roast extra vegetables for a grain bowl the next day, turn leftover vegetables into soup, or use apples in both a salad and a dessert. 

Seasonal cooking does not have to be complicated. It is about looking at what is available and finding practical, delicious ways to use it.