Salted Vanilla and Maple Roasted Pears

Every once in a while, a recipe surprises you with how little it asks and how much it gives in return. This is one of those recipes.

With just a handful of simple ingredients, the pears become tender, buttery, and lightly caramelized, while the maple syrup and vanilla enhance their natural sweetness without overpowering it. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most memorable.

Ingredients

8 pears, peeled, cored, and halved

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons water

½ teaspoon fine-grain salt (I used Himalayan salt.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Arrange the pears in a baking dish.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the maple syrup, vanilla, and water until combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the pears, then sprinkle with the salt.

Roast for about 45 minutes, or until the pears are tender and lightly caramelized.

Serve warm on their own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.