CLEVELAND -- A Salute to Local Food will feature chef and cook book Author Bev Shaffer from 3 to 5 p.m. March 2 at Aurora Historical Society Museum, located at 115 E. Pioneer Trail in Aurora.

You can also call 330-995-3336.

Ohio Maple Pear Relish

• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/3 cup Ohio maple syrup
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon whole allspice
• 3 firm ripe pears, D’anjou, red Bartlett or Bosc
• 1/3 cup minced shallots, lightly sautéed in butter and cooled

In a saucepan, bring the wine, syrup and lemon juice to a boil, stirring to combine. Tie the spices in a cheesecloth bundle or use an infuser ball and add to the wine mixture.

Simmer mixture for 30 minutes or until syrupy. Peel and core the pears and cut into ¼ inch dice. Poach pear pieces in syrup at a bare simmer, uncovered, stirring once or twice for 10 minutes. Remove and discard spice bag.

Remove pan from heat and stir in shallots. Serve relish chilled or at room temperature with soup. Makes about 2 1/2 cups.

Relish may be made 1 week ahead and stored, covered and refrigerated.

Bev's Mushroom Cheddar Soup

• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 6 Tablespoons unbleached, all purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 1/2 cups thinly sliced white button mushrooms (about 1/2 pound)
• Sea salt to taste
• Freshly ground white pepper to taste
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
• 2 cups freshly grated sharp, white cheddar cheese (about 1/2 pound)

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until soft, about 1 minute (being careful not to brown).

Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in flour and cook, stirring, until mixture is smooth and bubbles.

Gradually add 1 cup of the chicken broth, stirring constantly to incorporate and keep mixture smooth. Slowly add remaining 3 cups of broth, continuing to stir.

Add mushrooms and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Simmer until mushrooms are soft, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Add carrots, return soup to a simmer. Simmer 10 minutes and then remove from heat. Stir in half of the cheese until it melts into the liquid, then stir in remaining cheese. Serve at once with Ohio Maple Pear Relish. Serves 4.

Visit Bev Shaffer's Web site.