Baked Pears with Ginger and Honey

Baked pears are a classic fall dessert that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The pears are cooked in a honey-ginger syrup until they are tender and caramelized. The addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt gives the dish a warm and inviting flavor. Serve the pears immediately, topped with chopped walnuts if desired.

Pears are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, with evidence of their cultivation dating back to 5000 BC. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that pears were a symbol of love and fertility, and they were often used in religious ceremonies. Pears were also a popular food in medieval Europe, and they were often used in pies, tarts, and other desserts. The baked pear recipe that we present here is a modern take on a classic dish. We use honey and ginger to create a sweet and flavorful syrup that caramelizes the pears as they bake. The addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt gives the dish a warm and inviting flavor. Serve the pears immediately, topped with chopped walnuts if desired.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 35 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 ripe pears, peeled and cored
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Place the pears in a baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, combine the honey, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Drizzle the honey mixture over the pears.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pears are tender.
6. Serve immediately, topped with chopped walnuts if desired.

Why It Works

• The honey-ginger syrup helps to caramelize the pears, giving them a delicious sweet and sticky coating.
• The cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt add a warm and inviting flavor to the dish.
• The pears are baked until they are tender, making them easy to eat and enjoy.