It really feels like summer is nearly over, though the weather is still gorgeous. We're now entering the harvest season! Pears, apples, and all the late-summer fruits are starting to appear. Have you been cooking or baking anything special with them? It’s the perfect time for pies, crisps, or even homemade jams. I must admit, I’m a little overwhelmed by the choices, but for now, I’ve chosen pears. I love them poached, but roasted they are just as good. I hope you enjoy my recipe!

Ingredients:

4 ripe but firm pears (such as Bosc or Anjou)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) for added crunch

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 190°C.

Prepare the Pears:

Wash and peel the pears, then slice them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or melon baller to remove the core and seeds.

Arrange in Baking Dish:

Place the pear halves, cut side up in a baking dish.

Make the Maple Syrup Mixture:

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract.

Drizzle Over Pears:

Pour the maple syrup mixture evenly over the pear halves. If you're using chopped nuts, sprinkle them on top of the pears.

Bake the Pears:

Bake the pears in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and golden. Baste the pears with the syrup from the bottom of the baking dish halfway through cooking.

Serve:

Remove the pears from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, drizzled with the syrup from the baking dish. You can also serve these baked pears with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some vanilla yoghurt.

Enjoy your baked pears with maple syrup!