Pear Dessert

• 2 ripe but firm pears
• 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• water
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla

This makes as many pears as you use, so for every two just double the recipe depending on who it's for.

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375º F. Peel pears and cut them lengthwise in half. Scoop out cores (use melon baller or teaspoon). Rub pears with lemon (prevents browning). Melt butter in ovenproof skillet (large enough to hold pears single layer). Put in brown sugar and maple syrup and cook over moderate low heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add the pears and turn several times to coat with the syrup. Arrange pears cut side down in a single layer and bake 30 minutes, occasionally baste with pan juices, until just softened and golden. Transfer pears to a platter and keep warm. If needed, add a little water to skillet to thin the syrup. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour syrup over pears and serve warm. (Only 128 calories each!)

If you want to add melted bittersweet chocolate sauce, it adds another dimension, melt and drizzle on top. The best pear and chocolate combo is poached pears with marscapone cream and chocolate sauce.

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