PEAR SNOW: A TREAT TO HELP YOU PARE DOWN

My neighbor's pear trees had a bumper crop this year. She brought over not one, not two, but FOUR sacks of luscious pears.

It reminded me of this good, light, diet-friendly dessert recipe. Bet I will be making a quadruple batch soon:

Pear Snow

•   5 small pears, peeled and sliced

•   3/4 cup white grape juice or apple juice

•   1/3 cup sugar (use a sugar substitute such as Splenda if you wish)

•   4 tsps. lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Cool slightly.

Pour mixture into a blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes, 'til smooth.

Pour into a pie plate. Cover with a lid or foil. Freeze for about 4 hours or until firm.

Return to the blender for about 30 seconds. Place in individual serving dishes such as glass custard cups. Re-freeze for at least a few more minutes.

Garnish with mint leaves and a maraschino cherry.