Oh, pears...the underappreciated gem of fall fruits. But, not today. Today, I'm sharing a recipe that will bring those humble pears into the spotlight – my Baked Honey Glazed Pears with Crunchy Walnuts. This dish is a wink to the rustic French dessert, Poire belle Hélène, minus the fuss and with a Midwestern twist. It's the kind of recipe you turn to when you want something sweet but not overly indulgent. Picture a cozy, golden autumn evening, leaves scattered on the ground, and you, with a warm, comforting dessert that tickles your taste buds with its caramelized honey goodness and nutty crunch. It's an impressive yet deceptively simple dessert that pairs (pun intended!) well with both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.
This dish is pretty versatile. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to luxuriate in that wonderful hot-cold combo. If you're going for a healthier side, a spoonful of Greek yogurt does wonders. And for an extra special touch, drizzle the top with a little more honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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Baked Honey Glazed Pears with Crunchy Walnuts
Servings: 4 servings
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work wonderfully)
- 1/4 cup of honey, plus an extra drizzle for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter
- 1/4 cup of walnuts, roughly chopped
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup of honey, plus an extra drizzle for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter
- 1/4 cup of walnuts, roughly chopped
- A pinch of salt
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's getting toasty, cut the pears in half and scoop out the cores. A little melon baller or a spoon is perfect for this job.
2. Mix the honey, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl, making sure it's all friend-like and well-combined.
3. Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle them with the honey mixture, ensuring each pear gets equal love.
4. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top, giving them a quick stir in the honey on the pears to coat them a bit.
5. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the pears are tender and the tops are turning into that delicious golden brown we're all after.
6. Once they're done, let them take a little rest for about 5 minutes—just enough time to get your serving sides ready.
Variations & Tips
- Swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds if you're feeling nutty in a different way.
- Include a sprinkle of blue cheese or goat cheese before serving for a savory twist.
- If honey isn't your thing, try maple syrup for a more Midwestern fall flavor.
- For those who want to ensure the recipe is vegan-friendly, replace honey with agave syrup and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Always taste your walnuts before adding them to ensure they’re not bitter, which can happen if they’re old. Fresh is best when it comes to nuts!
- To make this dish ahead of time, prepare everything but don't bake. Cover and refrigerate. Then bake before you're ready to serve, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
- Include a sprinkle of blue cheese or goat cheese before serving for a savory twist.
- If honey isn't your thing, try maple syrup for a more Midwestern fall flavor.
- For those who want to ensure the recipe is vegan-friendly, replace honey with agave syrup and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Always taste your walnuts before adding them to ensure they’re not bitter, which can happen if they’re old. Fresh is best when it comes to nuts!
- To make this dish ahead of time, prepare everything but don't bake. Cover and refrigerate. Then bake before you're ready to serve, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.
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There you have it, friends – a simple and utterly comforting dish that’s as lovely to eat as it is to look at!