Apricot-Glazed Pears

Here’s a quick and easy dessert idea.  I have been consciously trying to prepare in season dishes and right now here in New England, pears are in season.  My beloved brussel sprouts (mon petite chou) are due to be in season soon.  Swoon!  It has been my experience that people either love brussel spouts or they absolutely detest them.  Well, all I can say is, more for me!  Ha!

Your cast of characters (a.k.a. ingredients)

I do love fall, apples, apple crisp and all the other wonderful apple recipes.   As I write this sipping apple cider, I must ask, what about the pears?   If you happen to go apple picking, check out the pears.  It is just a suggestion, but if you do, and bring home at least four delectable pears, please consider this recipe.

You will need four pears, peeled, halved lengthwise and cored.

Place pears core side down in a baking dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup of apricot preserves with 1/4 cup of orange juice and 1/4 cup of apple cider (could use just orange juice). Pour mixture over pears in pan.

Place pears in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until soft.

Pears out of the oven. Let cool for 20 minutes.

Once cool, place each pear on a serving plate or dish and add one scoop of vanilla ice cream (I used a non-dairy ice cream), some of the apricot glaze from the baking pan and a pinch of cinnamon.  Prop the pear upright with a cinnamon stick as a garnish.  It is quite a sweet dessert.  Enjoy!

 Food photography and its challenges.

Oops! When serving, prop up the pear with a cinnamon stick or else the great slide will take place.

5 from 1 vote

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Apricot-Glazed Pears

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Total Time

50 mins

 

This is a delicious yet easy and healthy dessert.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Breakfast, Dessert

Servings: 8

Calories: 102 kcal

Author: Christine Galvani

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if you can 1/4 cup was equal to one orange for me)
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 4 pears - peeled halved lengthwise and cored
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 8 cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional but will hold the pears up on dish)
• Vanilla Ice Cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the apricot preserves, orange juice, and apple cider in a bowl.
2. Place pears core side down in a baking dish. Spread the apricot preserve mixture all over the pears.
3. Bake until softened 25-35 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes.
4. Place one scoop of ice cream in each pear half and drizzle with the sauce from the baking dish. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Nutrition Facts

Apricot-Glazed Pears

Amount Per Serving

Calories 102 Calories from Fat 18

% Daily Value*

Fat 2g3%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Cholesterol 7mg2%

Sodium 15mg1%

Potassium 174mg5%

Carbohydrates 22g7%

Fiber 4g16%

Sugar 13g14%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 115IU2%

Vitamin C 7.8mg9%

Calcium 64mg6%

Iron 0.5mg3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

By the way, I used this method to squeeze the juice from the orange.

This recipe is from Rachael Ray magazine, December/January 2009

I must know, are you yay Brussel sprouts or nay?  (I am the only one in my house that is yay!)

Have a great weekend!

Christine