For me, light fruit desserts are the perfect end to a meal. In the fall, pears are at their peak, and this quick and simple preparation creates its own sauce for an elegant presentation.

Baked Pear

Category

Category name

Serves

4

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe pears, peeled, halved and cored
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Pumpkin seeds, for garnish
  • Sour cream, for garnish
  • Mint or sage sprigs, optional, for garnish
  • Pound cake, for serving

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Cut the pears in half lengthwise and remove the core. Cut a small slice from the rounded side of the pears so that they sit flat, cut side up. Arrange in a gratin dish or shallow, ovenproof dish. Drizzle with maple syrup and dot with butter. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and turn the pear halves so they are cut-side down. Allow to cool to lukewarm or room temperature.
  3. Serve one half per person, cut-side up. Spoon some of the juices from the dish over the pear. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and top with a dollop of sour cream. Add the herb sprig and arrange the pound cake around the pear and serve immediately.