Sweet Potato, Apple and Spinach Salad

Pears do not ripen well on the tree so they are picked when mature, but not yet ripe. To ripen fresh pears at home, place in paper bag, fold over the top of bag and store at room temperature. In 1 to 3 days, the pears should be ripe. To test for ripeness, apply gentle thumb pressure to the base of the stem. If the fruit yields slightly, the pear is ripe and juicy. Use immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.