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As the seasons change, so do the varieties of fruit available to us. Fall brings a bounty of crisp apples and juicy pears. This particular recipe is all about pears, but not just any ordinary pear dish. These caramelized pears are made with honey, adding a delicate sweetness to the fruit’s already alluring flavor.
A Delicious Caramelized Pear is Perfect for a Fall and Spring Dessert
Here at Chesterhaven Beach Farm, we have a grove of very old pear trees that come to life in the early spring. These trees are the result of one of nature’s most important insect pollinators - the honeybee! So, let’s show our appreciation with this delicious recipe that puts these sweet little fruits to work.
I personally like to eat pears raw when they are still crunchy, in this recipe, it’s better to use pears that are soft. Anjou pears, Bartlett pears, and Bosc pears are ideal for this recipe due to their sweet and juicy flavor. Once they become soft I tend to not eat them straight, so this is the perfect recipe to use up perfectly good fruit and to turn it into something even tastier.
We use honey instead of brown sugar during the cooking process to enhance the flavor of the caramelized pears, creating a sweet, caramel-like sauce that coats the fruit. Raw Honey is also a better natural alternative to other sweeteners.
Caramelized Pears are Super Easy to Make
Caramelized pears are a delicious and elegant dessert that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. The process of caramelizing pears involves cooking them in a sweetened sauce until they’re tender and golden brown. This dessert is perfect for the fall season, and it’s a great way to use up ripe pears. In this article, we’ll show you how to make caramelized pears and provide you with some tips and tricks to achieve perfect caramelization.
Caramelized Pears are the Best Pear Dessert
Try sweetening up this caramelized pears recipe with a little Eastern Shore Honey. Use a large skillet, such as cast iron or nonstick, to cook the pears for the best results. You can serve this dish for breakfast on top of a little greek yogurt and accompanied by granola and nuts, or at the end of a special meal with almost no effort. For an elegant dessert, pair the caramelized pears with ice cream to enhance the overall experience.
The Mixed Berry Honey flavor profile would fit perfectly with these pears
Choosing the Right Pears and Preparing the Pears
Choosing the right pears is crucial for making caramelized pears. You want to choose pears that are ripe but still firm, as they will hold their shape better during cooking. Some popular varieties of pears that work well for caramelizing include Bartlett pears, Anjou pears, and Bosc pears. These pears have a sweet flavor and a firm texture that makes them perfect for cooking.
How to Make Caramelized Pears with Honey
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Equipment
You always want to make sure you are prepared before starting a recipe. For our caramelized pears, you'll need:
- filtered water
- Bee Inspired Honey
- firm pears, halved, cored, and cut into slices
- coconut milk or heavy cream
This caramelized pears recipe only features four ingredients! As far as equipment goes, you'll need measuring utensils, a large skillet with a lid, and a stovetop.
Step 2: Cook with Honey Instead of Brown Sugar
Pour the water into the skillet. Add honey instead of brown sugar, and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, add pears to the skillet, cut side down. Cover the skillet and reduce heat. Allow to simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Add Milk or Cream
Uncover the skillet and reduce to medium heat. Cook until the sauce is a golden brown color. This should take about 5 minutes. Add your coconut milk or heavy cream to the skillet. Shake the skillet until it is fully integrated, for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream & Enjoy!
Remove from heat. Remove the caramelized pears from the pan and allow them to cool. Carefully plate the caramelized pears while they are still warm. Lightly drizzle them with honey caramel sauce and serve warm as desired. For an indulgent dessert, pair the caramelized pears with vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Caramelized Pear
Achieving perfect caramelization is the key to making delicious caramelized pears. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect caramelization:
- Use a medium-low heat: Cooking the pears over medium-low heat will help them caramelize slowly and evenly.
- Use a nonstick skillet: A nonstick skillet is essential for preventing the pears from sticking to the pan and making them easier to flip.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the pears in batches if necessary, to ensure that they have enough room to cook evenly.
- Don't stir the pears too much: Let the pears cook for a few minutes on each side before stirring them. This will help develop a nice caramelized crust.
Storage and Reheating
Caramelized pears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, simply place them in a medium skillet over medium heat and cook until they're warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them.
Here are some additional tips for storing and reheating caramelized pears:
- Let the pears cool completely before storing them: This will help prevent them from becoming soggy or developing off-flavors.
- Store the pears in a single layer: This will help prevent them from sticking together and making them easier to reheat.
- Reheat the pears with a little butter or oil: This will help them retain their moisture and flavor.
Adapting our Caramelized Pears Recipe
Any recipe does not reach true perfection until you’ve added your own touch to it. At Bee Inspired Honey House we encourage you to play with your food. Change up this recipe. Here are some ideas:
- For breakfast, serve these pairs on top of greek yogurt and top with Eastern Shore Granola.
- Serve these caramelized pears with this honey caramel sauce recipe.
- Top these pears with our spicy honey nut mix for a little extra crunch and a surprising sweet/savory treat.
- Drop blue cheese crumbles onto the pears just before serving.
- For dessert, serve with port wine to complement all of these interesting flavors together.
- Pair these caramelized pears with ice cream for an enhanced dessert experience.
For a fun and unique topping, try raw honeycomb - it is completely edible!
These caramelized pears are a must-try dessert dish that is perfect for fall and winter. They’re easy to make and add a touch of natural sweetness to any treat. Plus, it’s a great way to show some appreciation for the mighty honeybee that pollinates our fruit trees each year. So next time you’re in search of a dessert option, consider these pears as a perfect alternative that will satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth. Their versatility makes them suitable for special occasions like the holiday season. Happy cooking!
If you decide to make this Caramelized Pear Recipe or any variation that we’ve suggested or better yet, your very own take, why not take a photo and share it with us using #beeinspired on Instagram. We love seeing your photos!
Interested in other pear desserts? Try these Honey Poached Pears. If you prefer baking with apples, try these amazing Baked Apples made with honey. We love baking with honey!
