Balsamic Honey Roasted Pears

These roasted pears bring out the natural sweetness of fruit with just a hint of tang and richness. My family always lights up when these come to the table they are so simple to make yet they feel truly special

The first time I tried this was on a cool autumn evening and now I make it every time pears are in season It feels both wholesome and indulgent at once

Ingredients

• Large slightly underripe pears: The perfect pear will feel firm to the touch Avoid fully ripe ones which can become too soft after roasting
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the pears Choose high quality butter for the best flavor
• Balsamic vinegar: Good quality balsamic adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness Select a syrupy aged version if you can
• Runny honey: Brings sweet floral notes and a glossy finish Taste your honey first to ensure you love the flavor

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Pears:

Halve each pear with a sharp knife and scoop out the core using a melon baller or small spoon Keep the skin on as it helps the pears hold their shape during roasting

Melt the Butter:

Heat your cast iron skillet or another ovenproof heavybottomed pan over mediumlow heat Add the butter and let it melt until it just begins to foam

Sauté the Pears:

Place the pears cut side down in the melted butter Allow them to sauté for about two minutes so the cut sides start to caramelize This step gives a head start on building flavor

Roast in the Oven:

Transfer the entire skillet to a preheated 400 degree Fahrenheit or 200 degree Celsius oven Roast for twenty minutes undisturbed so the pears soften and begin to take on color

Add Balsamic Vinegar:

Carefully flip the pear halves over Using a spoon drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the cut surfaces of the pears Return to the oven and roast for another five minutes

Finish with Honey:

Remove the pan from the oven Drizzle the runny honey over each pear Let the pears rest in the warm pan for several minutes so the juices meld

Serve:

Spoon some pan juices over the pears when serving Add an extra drizzle of honey if you like Serve warm for the best flavor

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You Must Know

• Naturally glutenfree and vegetarian so everyone can enjoy
• Works as a dessert brunch or even a side for a savory meal
• A great way to use up pears that are not quite ripe but still flavorful

My favorite part is the transformation of balsamic vinegar with roasting It turns mellow and syrupy and always surprises guests with its depth When my mom tasted these for the first time she could not believe how such a simple combination turned into something so elegant

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover pears in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat place them in a skillet over low heat or warm in the microwave Pears may soften a bit more after chilling but the flavor remains wonderful

Ingredient Substitutions

You can try apples if you do not have pears though they will need a little extra roasting time Maple syrup works in place of honey for a different kind of sweetness and vegan butter can substitute for regular butter if needed

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream a dollop of thick Greek yogurt or softly whipped cream For a savory twist add a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts These pears are also beautiful on top of pancakes or oatmeal

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Hungarian Roots

Roasting fruit is a Hungarian tradition that celebrates the natural sugars found in produce This dessert feels rustic and familiar to my grandmother's table where fruit desserts were often preferred over rich cakes The balsamic and honey duo is not traditional but brings a modern twist I love

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of pears work best?

Slightly underripe, firm large pears hold their shape and develop the best caramelized texture when roasted. Avoid very soft pears.

→ Can I substitute the balsamic vinegar?

Sherry vinegar or a touch of lemon juice can offer a tangy note if balsamic isn’t available.

→ Do I need to peel the pears?

No, leave the peel on to help the fruit hold together and add extra texture.

→ Is it necessary to use a cast iron skillet?

Any ovenproof heavy pan will work. Cast iron helps even browning, but stainless steel or enameled pans are fine too.

→ How can I serve the pears?

Serve warm with a little extra honey or pan juices. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream pairs nicely for dessert.