Shop the commissary for holiday gifts, foods

  • Published
  • By Kay Blakley
  • DeCA home economist
FORT LEE, Va. --  You probably think of the commissary when it's time to do some holiday entertaining or when making out the grocery list for that all-important Christmas dinner. But the smart shopper, looking for ways to stretch each and every holiday dollar, will carefully peruse the commissary aisles for holiday gift ideas, too. After all, where else can you expect an average savings of 30 percent or more everyday of the year?

For your holiday entertaining needs, don't forget meat and cheese trays from the deli, or fruit and veggie trays from your produce department. Letting us do the work for you is a smart way to avoid stressing out over too much to do in too little time. While you're at it, be sure to take a look at holiday specials like ready-to-serve shrimp platters and desserts. They often come frozen, but ready-to-thaw and serve as is. The best part is they are impressive enough to make your guests think they're at the Ritz.

If holiday food gifting means something lovingly made in your very own kitchen, I've got just the thing for you. Make a batch or two of the Pear Honey recipe below. It's delicious on any kind of warm bread, breakfast toast or English muffins, and makes a unique and thoughtful gift when ladled into pretty jelly jars and tied with holiday ribbon. The happy recipient of this gift will be thinking "sweet thoughts" of you for weeks to come. Happy holidays to you and I'll see you at the commissary.

Pear Honey
6 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
1 8 ounce can crushed pineapple with juice
1½ cups sugar
Coarsely grated zest of one lemon, plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan or 10-inch skillet (an electric skillet works well too). Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until pears are tender and mixture thickens, and takes on a golden honey color, about 30 minutes.

Mash the mixture with a fork, if smaller chunks of pear are desired. Cool to room temperature to serve. Store contents in the refrigerator in a sealed plastic container or glass jelly jar. Makes about 2 ½ cups.