Maple Roasted Pears
These simple, baked pears have a crisp, firm exterior which surrounds their extra soft bites. So quick and easy to throw together in bulk, or for an individual, late-night sweet treat! The maple syrup glaze adds such a luscious, homey taste. On top of it all, some may say literally, is a mixture of crushed, crunchy, and nutritious foods. This warm, paleo, and refined-sugar free dessert is guaranteed to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth, whether alone or alongside a scoop of cool, vanilla ice cream or coconut whip. There are simply no wrong choices here!
Ingredients
12 pears, small-medium sized
1 cup walnuts
2 tbsp cacao nibs (optional)
2 tbsp flax seeds
3 tbsp maple syrup
cinnamon, for topping
himalayan pink salt, for topping
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the pears in half, 3-4 slices, or BOTH! Remove the seeds as you go, but the stems are okay to stay.
In a food processor, lightly chop the cacao nibs, if using, along with the nuts and seeds, then transfer the mixture to a small, flat bowl or dish. Pour the maple syrup into a separate, small and flat bowl or dish.
Take each piece of pear, dip one flat side in the maple syrup, then allow the excess to drip off. Immediately lightly press the sticky side into the chopped mixture, so the slices become well-coated.
As you go, transfer to the prepared pan, coated side up. Repeat until all the slices have gone through steps four and five.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pears have a golden-brown glow!
Let cool for at least 5 minutes, and sprinkle on some cinnamon and pink salt, if desired.
Serve with an optional scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut whip!
Store leftovers, if any in an airtight container in the fridge, preferably not on top of one another.
Notes:
Use any nuts or seeds, as long as it adds up to the 1 cup, plus 2 tbsp total!
