Maple Baked Pears

There’s something so classy about baked pears! The subtle maple flavor suits them just right. This is an light dessert choice for serving following filling meals; if serving to company, double the recipe. Adapted from The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet.

Serves: 4

• 4 to 5 medium firm, ripe pears, preferably bosc
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• Cinnamon
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, or slivered almonds, optional
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips, optional

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Quarter the pears lengthwise, and remove the cores and stem ends. Cut each quarter in half lengthwise. Arrange in a 9- by 9-inch foil-lined baking pan.

Drizzle the syrup over the pears, and sprinkle with a little cinnamon. Scatter the cranberries and optional nuts over the pears.

Bake for 15 minutes, then give the mixture a good stir. Add the chocolate chips at this point, if using. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes longer, or until the pears are tender but not overcooked, Serve warm in shallow bowls.

 Variation: Serve with a dollop of vegan vanilla ice cream.

• Here are more recipes for using pears.
• Return to Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) recipes and menus.