Baked Pears (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the baked pears

01 - 4 large ripe pears, washed and dried (Bosc, Bartlett, Anjou, Asian, or your favorite!)
02 - 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
05 - Pinch of nutmeg
06 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans

→ For serving (optional)

07 - Vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or whipped cream

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the pears from sticking as they bake and caramelize.
02 - Slice each pear in half vertically from stem to bottom. To help them sit flat in the baking dish, cut a small sliver off the rounded side of each pear half to create a stable base.
03 - Using a measuring spoon, small cookie scoop, or melon baller, carefully scoop out the seeds and core from each pear half, creating a small hollow in the center. Arrange the pear halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This fragrant mixture will infuse the pears with warm fall flavors as they bake.
05 - Drizzle most of the honey-spice mixture evenly over the pear halves, making sure to get some in the hollowed centers, but reserve about 2 tablespoons for serving. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the pears, allowing some to fall into the hollows and some to rest on top.
06 - Bake the prepared pears in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until they're tender when pierced with a fork and lightly browned around the edges. The honey mixture will bubble and create a delicious syrup in the pan.
07 - Remove the baked pears from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, drizzled with the reserved honey-spice mixture and your choice of vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or whipped cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold.

# Notes:

01 - Choose pears that are ripe but still firm for best results - they should yield slightly to pressure at the stem end.
02 - You can substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile or to make the recipe vegan.
03 - If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes.
04 - Leftover baked pears can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave.
05 - For a healthier breakfast option, serve with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola instead of ice cream.

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