The Pacific Northwest Canned Pear Service is pleased to announce the winners and honorable mentions of the annual 2025 CAN-DO Challenge. Chefs from non-commercial foodservice operations—K-12 Schools, College & University, Business & Industry, Healthcare, and Military—were invited to share the creative ways they use U.S. grown canned Bartlett pears on their menus.
“We are always thrilled to see the creativity from non-commercial chefs using U.S. grown canned pears on their menus,” noted Allison Boyer, Promotion Director for PNCPS. “This year’s winning recipes each had a unique and flavorful twist on a classic dish.”
The judges chose three top winners and three honorable mentions. The top three winners received cash prizes of $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively. Each of the 34 people who entered received a $10 Amazon gift card.
First Place
Caramelized Pear & Gorgonzola Pizza with Tricolore Salad
Daniel Rodriguez, Executive Chef, Los Alamos Assisted Living
Los Alamos, NM
Second Place
Pear-amisu
Linda Scaletta, Assistant Director, Nutrition Services, Glendale Unified School District Nutrition Services
Glendale, CA
Third Place
Honey Roasted Bartlett Pear Overnight Oats
George Siedis, Child Nutrition Director, Three Rivers Community Schools
Three River, MI
Honorable Mentions
Pear & Goat Cheese Crostini
Devin LeDoux, Sous Chef, Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
Pear Pancetta Fig Ravioli
Cindy Kerschner, Cook, American Family Dining Services
Allentown, PA
Pear Almond Upside Down Cake
Gary Treahy, Culinary Director, Sagora Senior Living
Burleson TX