A composed snack plate that is more satisfying than anything it looks like it should be — and the clusters are the reason.

The cluster technique: pumpkin seeds tossed with warm honey, a small amount of tamari, and a pinch of flaky salt, spread on parchment and baked until the honey caramelises and the seeds cluster together in irregular, crunchy clumps. They keep for two weeks in an airtight container. Make a large batch. They disappear faster than expected.

In Chinese nutritional medicine, pear enters the Lung and Stomach — moistening, descending, generating fluids. In early spring Oregon, where patients are often still dry and depleted from winter heating systems, pear is one of the most useful fruits available. Pumpkin seeds tonify Kidney qi and provide zinc, magnesium, and complete protein — directly supportive of active rehabilitation patients. Goat cheese is less damp-producing than cow dairy and provides warming, grounding fat. Lemon delivers sour Liver support. The combination — cooling pear, warming seeds, rich cheese — is balanced and complete.