Maple Baked Pears

4 servings

A friend of mine recently served this simple dessert to a potential suitor. I’m quite sure this did the trick.

4 to 5 medium firm, ripe pears, preferably bosc
1/4 cup maple syrup
Cinnamon
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Dark chocolate chips or shaved chocolate, optional


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Quarter the pears lengthwise, and remove the cores and stem ends. Cut each quarter in half lengthwise. Arrange in a 9- by 9-inch nonstick baking pan.

Drizzle the syrup over the pears, and sprinkle with a little cinnamon. Scatter the walnuts over the pears.

Bake until the pears are tender but not overcooked, about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir the mixture well about 15 minutes into the baking time. Serve warm, topped with a sprinkling of vegan chocolate chips or a bit of shaved chocolate.

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