serveitforth.com recipes
Cider-Roasted Pears
6 firm pears, such as Bosc
1 1/2 c apple cider
1/4 c sugar
6-8 whole cloves (see note below)
3-4 cinnamon sticks, or 1/4 t ground cinnamon
1. Preheat the oven to 375°.
2. Peel the pears, cut them in half, and remove the cores with a melon baller or small knife.
3. In a baking dish big enough to accommodate the pears in a single layer, combine the cider, sugar and spices. Add the pears to the dish and toss to coat.
4. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes and then gently stir the pears, flipping them over and basting with the cider. Continue baking for 30-45 minutes more, frequently stirring and basting, until the pears are tender, a little caramelized, and the cider has reduced to a thick glaze.
5. If not serving immediately, the pears can be stored in the fridge for a day or two and easily reheated. In any case, they are best served warm.
serves 4-6, depending on what you are serving with them.
Variations: Feel free to vary or add spices to your taste. Vanilla bean, peppercorns, star anise, and orange peel would all add something. A little booze would be good, too: Calvados, Armagnac, or a pear eau-de-vie would work.