We're sweetening things up this week with a tasty turnip dish that pairs this somewhat perplexing root vegetable with pears and real maple syrup.

Speaking of which, it's maple syrup season here in southern Indiana. This weekend is the start of  The National Maple Syrup Festival held at Burton's Maplewood Farm in Medora, Indiana.

Chef Daniel Orr chatted with Tim Burton, the farm's owner, and Sabrina Burton, his daughter-in-law. The Burton's family-owned maple operation sits on 28 acres in Medora, Indiana and the Burtons have a passion for preserving and promoting what they call "one of our nation's natural renewable treasures - maple syrup."

Listen: Chef Orr's complete interview with Tim and Sabrina Burton »

Recipe: Caramelized Turnips And Pears With Maple And Spices

Turnips, like many other root vegetables, aren't necessarily the most intuitive foods to cook with. But that said, don't be afraid to experiment with them; they're tasty prepared any number of ways, like this dish that pairs caramelized turnips and pears with real maple syrup and spices.

This recipe uses the Sweet Seasons Spice Blend.

More Turnip Recipes? Try Earth Eats Contributor Alex Lopez's Spicy Turnip Truck Tagine.

Next Week

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we'll be talking corned beef with one of our favorite local beef producers. We'll pair that with home-brewed beer and another root vegetable dish, a rutabaga and potato mash.

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