2025 CAN DO Challenge Winners
We asked to see new and inventive ways of using pears in your favorite recipes and your response has blown us away! We are thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s CAN DO Challenge.
First Place
Caramelized Pear & Gorgonzola Pizza with Tricolore Salad
Submitted by
Daniel Rodriguez
Los Alamos Assisted Living
Los Alamos, NM
Honorable Mentions
Grilled Pear & Goat Cheese Crostini
Submitted by
Devin LeDoux
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
Pear Almond Upside Down Cake
Submitted by
Gary Treahy
Sagora Senior Living
Burleson, TX
Pear Pancetta Fig Ravioli in Pear Butter Sauce
Submitted by
Cindy Kerschner
American Family Dining Services
Allentown, PA
About the
CAN DO Challenge
Every year, culinary pros from non-commercial foodservice operations across the United States participate in our annual CAN DO Challenge by submitting fun and inventive dishes that highlight delicious U.S. grown canned pears. We love seeing all the creative ways these contestants show us what they “CAN DO” with the world’s most flexible and flavorful fruit!
Every applicant receives a $10 Amazon gift card just for submitting, and winning recipes receive:
1st place: $1,500
2nd place: $1,000
3rd place: $500
Here's what
we judge on...
Plate Appeal
Are the Pacific Northwest Canned Pears being served in a way that is creative? Does the dish look appetizing?
Flavor Appeal
Are the Pacific Northwest Canned Pears featured in a recipe that is delicious and appealing to your patrons?
