Smith Berry Barn

fresh, ripe pears

Caramelized Spiced Pears

October 10, 2020

Caramelized Spiced Pears
Print Recipe
This is a very easy preparation for fresh, ripe pears and creates an elegant dessert with very little effort.
Servings Prep Time
4 servings 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 servings 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Caramelized Spiced Pears
Print Recipe
This is a very easy preparation for fresh, ripe pears and creates an elegant dessert with very little effort.
Servings Prep Time
4 servings 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 servings 15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Ingredients
  • 4 Tbs butter
  • 4 each fresh, ripe pears peeled, cored and sliced into quarters
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • vanilla ice cream
Servings: servings
Instructions
  1. Prepare pears by peeling, coring and slicing into quarters.
  2. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in small bowl and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add pears to the melted butter, cut side down, arranging them carefully in the pan. Cook the pears until they begin to brown, but don't let them burn (approximately 3-4 minutes).
  5. Turn each slice with tongs, placing the other cut side down and brown again in the same way (approximately 3-4 minutes).
  6. Finally turn the pears once more so that the unbrowned side is facing down.
  7. While browing the final side, add the sugar mixture and swirl pan to incorporate into the sizzling butter. Be careful during this stage and be prepared to work quickly.
  8. Add the vanilla extract and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the liquid begins to caramelize, turning a medium brown and thickened.
  9. Transfer pears to individual bowls. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle caramel sauce over entire dish. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes

Pears may be cut into thinner slices for a different presentation (we like to use ours on dessert pizza!), but be cautious not to over-cook the pears.  They burn easily!

Spiced Pear Cobbler

October 9, 2020

Spiced Pear Cobbler
Print Recipe
This is a perfect dessert to enjoy in the fall, featuring fresh, ripe pears and seasonal spices. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream!
Servings Prep Time
6-8 servings 30 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
45 minutes 30 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6-8 servings 30 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
45 minutes 30 minutes
Spiced Pear Cobbler
Print Recipe
This is a perfect dessert to enjoy in the fall, featuring fresh, ripe pears and seasonal spices. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream!
Servings Prep Time
6-8 servings 30 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
45 minutes 30 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6-8 servings 30 minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
45 minutes 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Filling
  • 3 Tbs butter
  • 8 each fresh, ripe pears peeled, cored and cut into pieces
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup corn starch
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Topping
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter chilled and cut into pieces
  • 1/4 cup half & half
Servings: servings
Instructions
To prepare the Filling
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix all dry ingredients in bowl and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Add pears and stir to coat.
  4. Add the sugar mixture and stir to coat pears. Continue cooking and stirring carefully until sugar mixture is dissolved and becomes thickened and bubbly, approximately 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the vanilla and remove from heat. Transfer pear mixture to a 2 quart baking dish and place in preheated oven while you prepare the topping dough. (Remove from oven after 10 minutes or as soon as topping is ready to be added)
To prepare the Topping
  1. Place all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
  2. Add the diced butter and mix with a hand-held pastry blender until well mixed and the butter is in pea-sized pieces. (You may use a fork or your fingers for this step if you prefer)
  3. Add the half & half to the mixing bowl and stir gently until the mixture just comes together and resembles a soft dough.
  4. Remove the baking dish from the oven if it's not already out. Carefully drop the dough by spoonfuls onto the pear mixture.
  5. Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and filling is bubbling.
  6. Once removed from the oven, allow to cool slightly. Can be served warm or at room temperature.