Pear season has finally arrived and there are several varieties available at the local Farmer’s market.
The key to this recipe is to use ripe pears that are still firm. This time I used Bartlett pears to make the Roasted Vanilla Pears.
Bartlett Pears are now available at the Farmer’s Market…choose a basket that has pears at various degrees of ripeness.
Bartletts are a little tricky. You have about 3 days to use them, once they are ripen, before they become too soft. You can slow down the process with refrigeration, but I like to use them when they are ready. The fruit dictates my timetable.
Roasted Vanilla Pears calls for a vanilla bean, but if you cannot get one, substitute with a half teaspoon of vanilla extract. It will be fine, but the vanilla bean enhances the flavour.
Roasted Vanilla Pears a sweet ending to a nice meal!
Roasted Vanilla Pears
Print recipe| Serves | 4 large or 8 small servings |
| Inspiration | Chatelaine |
Ingredients
- 4 Firm ripe pears
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- whipped cream
Directions
| Preheat the oven to 375 deg F. Grease an 8 inch square glass baking dish. | |
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Carefully slice the vanilla bean in half along it's length. Vanilla pods can be found in the baking section of the grocery store.  | |
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Use the dull side of the paring knife to scrape out the seeds of the vanilla bean and add them to a bowl with the butter and brown sugar.  | |
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Microwave to about 30 seconds or until the butter is melted. Stir in the lemon juice.  | |
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Peel the pears and slice in half lengthwise. Scoop out the core using a small teaspoon. Remove the central tough membrane the blossom part at the bottom. Arrange the pears in one layer, cut side up in the square dish. Add the remainder of the vanilla bean to the dish as well to enhance the vanilla flavour. Generously brush the vanilla mixture over the pears, then pour the rest of the mixture into the baking dish.  | |
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Roast in the centre of the oven until the pears are tender, about 40 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream.  | |
| Roast in the centre of the oven until the pears are tender, about 40 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream. | |