Pears have always been one of my favorite fruits. Not only do they have an elegant shape, but they are juicy and charmingly sweet. Though, pears have a dark side. They can be temperamental, finicky, and are never perfectly ripe.

I would argue that pears are one of the most elegant and graceful fruits until you bite into them. Whenever I bite into a ripe pear, a small explosion occurs. Juice dribbles down my chin, sprays my clothing with a fine mist, and runs down my hands until I am sticky and dripping puddles on the floor. Maybe you have more grace when eating pears (and I commend you for it), but I certainly don't. Pears are only portable in theory. I can never eat a pear in public with good conscious (well, not unless I'm eating them with a knife and fork and who does that?).

Finding a ripe pear is virtually impossible. I believe Eddie Izzard, one of my favorite comedians, said it best.

Pears are like a rock, so you think, "I'll take them home and they'll ripen up," and you put them in a bowl, and they sit there going, "No! No! Don't ripen yet! Don't ripen yet! Wait till he goes out of the room! Ripen now! Now! Now!" And you come back in, and you go, "I'll just have one of these… Hey, these pears are dead!"

The pears are mush before you even saw it coming.

This vanilla pear milk is light and sweet. The texture falls somewhere between yogurt and a smoothie. The dash of cinnamon melds all of the flavors together in a way I didn't expect. Treat yourself to this healthy, delicious drink. You won't be disappointed.

Vanilla Pear Milk

1 large pear, halved and cored
1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
3/4 cup milk
Dash of cinnamon

Place the pear, yogurt, milk, and spices in a blender and blend until smooth.

Pour into a glass, top with a cinnamon stick, and serve chilled!