Five-Spice Roasted Pears

Along with a bit cooler weather lately, we’ve seen a  new offering at the markets to remind us of the impending change of seasons – pears!  We can’t believe it’s already time to start to transition from summer eating.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 ripe pears

  • 1 lemon

  • 3 tablespoons water

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons honey, divided

  • 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt

  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

  2. Peel the pears; cut them in half, then remove the cores.

  3. Grease a baking dish with butter. Place the pears in the dish cut side down; then squeeze with the juice of 1 lemon. Pour 3 tablespoons water around the pears and place small chunks of 1 tablespoon butter around the dish. Drizzle with 1 1/2 tablespoons honey and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice.

  4. Bake uncovered, brushing frequently with pan juices, until the pears are tender and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

  5. While the pears roast, prepare the Greek yogurt and almonds: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon honey and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. In a dry pan over medium heat, heat the almonds, stirring occasionally, until browned – about 3 to 4 minutes (make sure to watch them constantly so they do not burn).

  6. To serve, place 2 roasted pear halves on a plate. Garnish with a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt and toasted almonds.

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