I have spent this past week bringing in the last of the pears from the trees behind the cottage. There are five varieties on the property, and they ripen from August through Halloween. Of course guests at ‘Le Petit Lapin’ are always welcome to pick and enjoy any fruit that’s in season while they are here. It’s almost Halloween now, however, and I am busy finding ways to preserve the bounty. I have already made pear and ginger jam, and I have also stewed pears and made compote de poires, which lasts really well in the freezer. This past year I discovered that pears also dry wonderfully and children find dried pears particularly delicious. I have to admit that I am a fan, too!