Balsamic Roasted Pears

Balsamic Roasted Pears

I don’t love salads… Especially ones with a lot of lettuce.

I know that I have admitted that before… And, it’s pretty prohibitive when it comes to trying to incorporate more salads into my diet and cut back on meat. Though I would love to replace meat with pasta and cheese and dine on that 5 days a week, I’m not sure that I have the budget for a new wardrobe of nothing but fat jeans and moo moos.

Instead, I’m doing what I can to keep things interesting, and I’m learning to enjoy salads… At least, I’m learning to eat salads and pretending that I enjoy them. I figure that I will eventually start to actually like salads at some point.

I found some lovely organic Anjou pears at the store last week, so I decided they’d make a great salad topping.  The weather’s been chilly and rainy, though, and I wanted something warm and comforting (two words I don’t usually associate with lettuce… just saying). So, I decided to roast the pears with some cinnamon and Balsamic reduction. The result was fantastic.  I paired them with some walnuts, dried cranberries, and blue cheese. It was one of the best salads I’ve had in a long time!

The measurements in this recipe are approximations… There’s no need to be scientific about it.  You can sprinkle and pinch, adding the amount that seems right to you!

Balsamic Roasted Pears
(Serves 2)

  • 1 teaspoon canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 Anjou pears
  • 1 teaspoon reduced Balsamic vinegar
    (I used some reduced espresso Balsamic vinegar, but whatever you have will be great)
  • 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush a baking dish with the canola oil and set aside.

Add the lemon juice to a mixing bowl of water. Peel and halve the pears, scoop out the core, and dip in the lemon juice water to keep them from browning.

Place the pears in the baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle the pears with the Balsamic reduction, and sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Bake for 30 minutes, and then serve immediately.

 

23 comments

  1. Gail says:

    Balsamic roasted pears sound like a great addition to a salad. Good thinking, Jen!

  2. Winnie says:

    I love all salads, but especially ones that involve a bit of a sweet component, just like this!

  3. Jen, I have to make these! I love salad and these pears are calling my name. Great photos, too.

  4. This looks simple and delightful! What a wonderful spring treat on a salad!

  5. These look amazing! I love salad, but I get bored! This is a great way to change it up, and make my husband and kids try something new =)

  6. Paula says:

    Beautiful looking pears and salad!

  7. Jennifer says:

    I love adding fruit to my salads. And balsamic goes so well with fruit, these pears look and sound like they’d be the perfect addition to a nice spring or summer salad.

  8. This looks so good. I am bookmarking this recipe.

  9. This is totally beautiful! I have tried balsamic vinegar of grilled peaches, but I have yet to try it on pears. I love salads, but I think salads with lotsa lettuce is boring! I love how you spice up your salad by using interesting leafy greens:)

  10. Tessa says:

    I love balsamic vinegar on most things. I’ve never seen it with pears, but your description makes it sound great!

  11. Such a comforting salad! I love it….yum!

  12. Oooh with a little bit of blue cheese and some toasted walnuts? YUM!

  13. *This* is my kind of salad! And if it will keep me out of mt fat jeans, all the better! ;)

  14. Kristen says:

    First of all, that last picture is stunning (they all are, but that last one especially)! I would have never thought to do pears on a salad, but why not? I bet it was fantastic!

  15. Can I ask you something? Why don’t you live closer?! Oh my lord this looks fabulous! I’ve got some dark muscovado that’s been asking to be used lately. Now I know what to make! :)

  16. naomi says:

    Gorgeous photo! The pears dish looks and sounds delish. What a great recipe.

  17. I actually happen to love salad almost as much as I love a good steak (almost… but not quite as much) ;) This will make a great addition to our weeknight dinners!

  18. Joy says:

    The salad looks great. I love that you used pears.

  19. MK says:

    I made these and they were a total hit! For the salad I combined spinach, arugula, dried cranberries, walnuts and goat cheese with a little bit of balsamic for the dressing. It was perfect!

  20. James says:

    was looking up some new menu ideas for this spring and came across this. Had a good long laugh as i tried to explain to my chef that i knew you personally. Thanks Jenn.

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