BAKED MAPLE PEARS

Serves 8

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Ingredients

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• 4 almost-ripe pears

• 1/2 cup (120ml) (Vermont) maple syrup

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• Toppings: granola or toasted slivered almonds, yogurt

 

Directions

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• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). I don’t line my baking sheet when I make these, but you absolutely can with parchment or a silicone baking mat. Frankly, I use a well-seasoned cast-iron frying pan – works great and is easy to clean.

• Cut pears in half, then cut a small sliver off the underside so the pears sit flat when placed upright on the baking sheet. Using a teaspoon, core out the seeds. Arrange pears, facing up, on the baking sheet.

• Whisk the spices, maple syrup, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl. Drizzle most of it all over the pears, reserving a little bit for after the pears are finished baking.

• Bake pears for about 25 minutes until soft and lightly browned on the edges. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with remaining maple syrup mixture. Serve warm with granola and yogurt.

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