OH PEARS!

Pears are in season, and you can find them for as little as 70 cents a pound on sale. The bad thing about pears, though, is that they can start to get mushy fast. Here's a quick way to use up pears that are starting to turn: pear sauce. My daughters love this stuff warm or cold, and it makes a great side dish for pork. You can also drain off some of the liquid, add a little cornstarch and use it for a cobbler or with puff pastry. And there's no need to wait till the pears get mushy: fresh-off-the-tree pears will work just as well.

PEAR SAUCE
5-6 Pears (if you use more, increase cooking time)
cinnamon
ginger
lemon juice

1. Put pears in a bowl and puncture skin with a fork in several places. Cover bowl loosely with plastic wrap or wax paper and microwave for about 5 minutes. Cool slightly.
2. Remove skin (it should slip off easily, or use paring knife), stem and core. Mash pears and add cinnamon and ginger to taste. Add a teaspoon or two of lemon juice. Serve warm or refrigerate.