Roasted Vanilla Pears

Name: Roasted Vanilla Pears
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 firm, ripe pears, peeled, halved and cored; 1 small vanilla bean; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 35% cream, (optional)

Prep Time5 mins
Total Time45 mins
Makes8 servings

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Sticky-sweet roasted pears make a great dessert or breakfast when laid atop oatmeal or Greek yogurt.

Ingredients

4 firm, ripe pears, peeled, halved and cored
1 small vanilla bean
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup lemon juice
35% cream, (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375F. Lightly grease an 8-in. square baking dish. Arrange pears in one layer, cut-side up, in prepared dish. Split vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Use the dull side of a paring knife to scape out seeds. Combine seeds with brown sugar and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 30 sec until butter is melted. Stir in lemon juice. Generously brush vanilla mixture over pears, then pour the rest of the vanilla mixture into baking dish.
Roast in centre of oven until pears are tender, about 40 min. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Nutrition (per serving)

Carbohydrates 21g, Fat 6g, Fibre 2g, Sodium 4mg.

Make this dessert into breakfast with these three easy tips. 1. Slather whole-grain toast with goat or cream cheese, and top with sliced roasted pears. 2. Serve pears warm or cold with plain or vanilla Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. 3. Top oatmeal with warm pears and finish with a handful of nuts, hemp hearts and chia seeds.

Originally published in the Today’s Parent October 2016 issue, this recipe has a triple-tested guarantee from the Chatelaine Kitchen. Photo by Roberto Caruso.