Simple Maple Vanilla Baked Pears

First things first: hi! I’m currently in St. Lucia sipping a big ol’ margarita on the rocks while watching the sun set over the pristine water. Wait. Wasn’t I just caught in a blizzard 4 days ago? January, why you be so crazy.

I’m really excited because today’s post is sponsored by my friends at Stemilt Growers. Remember when I visited their orchards back in July? It was my first time in Washington, though I went back in October on my book tour (hi Seattle friends!). When I visited the orchards in July, I went cherry picking, explored the epic grounds, and tasted the world’s juiciest apples and sweetest cherries. The pears weren’t quite ready to be picked yet, so they promised to send me a box when they were.



Baked pears. I know it all sounds pretty simple. And you don’t even see chocolate or frosting or caramel explosions in these photos. But let me tell ya something. These maple vanilla baked pears? They’re pretty epic. Such a big statement for a humble fruit, no? Well, they’re a prime example of how simple ingredients, good-for-you, and REAL whole foods can come together to produce a dessert that can stand up to a chocolate frosting caramel exploding something. (Which reminds me, have you made my snickers cupcakes yet?)

When Stemilt sent me pears, the first thing I did was eat them. I believe I inhaled 2 in a matter of 30 seconds. Then I got down to business and began brainstorming a new recipe to make. Actually, before the brainstorming, I hiccupped because I just ate 2 giant pears in under a minute.

Baked pears came to mind first. When I’m feeling lazy but want a little something sweet after dinner (always), I often bake an apple, drizzle with honey or melted peanut butter and top with crunchy granola. It’s simple, it’s kinda healthy, and on a cold winter night– hits the spot. In my real mind, baked pears dripping with pure maple syrup sounded just as fabulous and in my weird food blogging photographer mind, they sounded pretty.

Ingredients:

• 4 D'Anjou pears (aka Anjou pears)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• optional toppings: maple pecan granola, Greek yogurt

Directions:

1. 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.
2. Cut pears in half, then cut a small sliver off the underside so the pears sit flat when placed upright on the baking sheet. See video above for visual. Using a large or medium cookie scoop or melon baller (or even a teaspoon), core out the seeds. Arrange pears, facing up, on the baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-- feel free to add more cinnamon if you'd like.
3. ..........................................

for full instruction please see : sallysbakingaddiction.com

source https://cakecooking-recipes.blogspot.com/2018/11/simple-maple-vanilla-baked-pears.html