Quick & Easy Caramelized Pears

(20)
Servings:
6

Seasonal fruit is the perfect starting point for a memorable meal-ender.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 3 medium pears, such as Anjou or Bartlett, quartered and cored

  • ¼ cup packed light-brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • Salt

  • Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high. Add pears, one cut side down, and cook until browned, then reduce heat to medium and cook 3 minutes. Turn pears to other cut side and cook 4 minutes. Add sugar and 1 tablespoon water, swirling pan to combine. Turn pears skin side down and cook until sauce is thickened slightly, 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla and pinch of salt. Serve warm with ice cream.

    sweet-spot-caramelized-pears-med108749-002a.jpg
    Andrew Purcell

Cook's Notes

Pick a Pear
Anjou and Bartlett are the best choices for this dish -- they're sweet and juicy and hold their shape when cooked.

Originally appeared: Everyday Food, September 2012

Related Articles