It’s no wonder artists have been using Bosc pears for their drawings and paintings for centuries.
With its true pear shape, warm-toned color, creamy white flesh and hint of honey flavor, its beauty can’t help but inspire.
As we all scramble to gather ingredients for our perfect holiday meal using recipes from cards that are tattered and torn from years of love and attention, sometimes it’s nice to throw something new into the mix.
This recipe for Maple Roasted Bosc Pears with Pumpkin Granola and Walnuts is my something new. For one, its elegance far outweighs the effort required to prepare it, and two, it’s delicious. It’s warm and melty, maple-y and gorgeous-tasting. How’s that for a description?
I promise you, it tastes as lovely as it looks. I liken it to drinking black coffee – in my mind, cream and sugar-free coffee comes as close to tasting what you imagine it to [taste like], based on its aroma. I have very high standards for my coffee and now I do for my pears, too.
Once the pears have become tender and fragrant, resulting from a 400 degree bath composed of butter and pure maple syrup, you’ll arrange them, cut side up, on dessert plates. Top with your favorite seasonal granola, I had pumpkin-flax in my pantry (so pumpkin-flax it was) and walnuts. Lastly, you’ll add a final swirl of warmed maple butter straight from the pan they were roasted in.
What do you say, guys?
Does it have what it takes?
Will it evolve to tattered recipe card level?
Only time will tell.
Buon Appetito!
PrintMaple Roasted Bosc Pears with Pumpkin Granola & Walnuts
- Category: Dessert
Ingredients
- 4 firm-ripe Bosc pears, with stems intact, halved-lengthwise and cored
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- Granola, I used pumpkin-flax
- Walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- In a baking pan large enough to fit pears snuggly, cover the bottom with melted butter.
- Arrange sliced pears in one layer, cut sides down.
- Roast for 20 minutes.
- Add maple syrup to the pan and roast for another 10 minutes or until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife.
- Arrange pear halves on each of four dessert plates, cut side up.
- Sprinkle granola and walnuts on top then spoon pan juices over top.
- Serve warm.
Ciao!
Kari Peters says
I love the way the light falls across these pears in your photos! Not only do they look scrumptious, I think they’re healthy enough to eat for breakfast!
Annie says
Oh yes they are! Perfect anytime – day or night! Thank you for your sweet words! 🙂
Ben Maclain says
I love roasted pears and apples, and I make them quite often. But you know what? I’ve never been successful to take any decent pictures cause their not really photogenic nature. But these pictures are just impeccable #givemeamasterclass:) Besides this combo of maple and pumpkin granola sounds fantastic. Well done, Annie!
Annie says
I’m with you Ben, they are too simple, delicious and beautiful not to make as often as possible! That is so funny you’re saying that because these babies basically did all the work for me – it was one of my easiest shoots. Plus, my lighting decided to cooperate. Photo gods were kind that day! Thanks, my friend! 🙂
Lynn | The Road to Honey says
Yes. . .yes. These pears have exactly what it takes. And if I lay them on a bed of Greek yogurt. . .well. . .then I can have a magnificent dessert for breakfast.
BTW. . .I agree that Bosc pears are stunning subjects. You have inspired me to grab my camera and create some masterpieces with these beauties.
Annie says
Ooooh – yes – that would be a delightful breakfast! Happy snapping, my friend! Thanks, Lynn!
Kevin | Keviniscooking says
Your post made me think of my mom and it also made me nostalgic for the whole family get togethers we used to have! What fun they used to be and it’s strange when looking back at the time I was always thinking it a chore and now I miss them dearly. Family traditions are what make memories, am I right?
This was lovely as are these amazing pears! I loved your line “warm and melty, maple-y and gorgeous-tasting” Perfect!
Oh my what photos and it’s simplicity is so inviting – just Beautiful with a capital B photos and I love that you didn’t peel them. Happy Holidays to you and your family Annie. 🙂
Annie says
I couldn’t agree more, Kevin. Family traditions are what make memories… And like you, I think the older we get the more we realize just how special those past moments were, while heightening our awareness of special moments, now. That is part of the beauty of aging, is it not? Thank you so much for your sweet words, my friend. I’m so happy this post brought you joy. Happy Holidays to you and your family. 🙂
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Annie, I just love the simple elegance of these pears! Your photos are absolutely beautiful – as usual!
Annie says
I so appreciate your kind words…always, my dear! 🙂
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
Not only is this food presentation gorgeous but the pictures make me think I could actually reach out and take a bite! I love pears and maple is always a treat! I have to make these. Pinned. Take care.
Annie says
Maple and pears is delicious! Thanks, my dear!
My Dish is Bomb says
Luuuurrve the photos and now I really want to try bosc pears! I don’t even know where I’d buy them! Also I think I would need to eat this for breakfast, because granola. Right?? Pinned!
Annie says
Thank you so much! Good luck with your search, my friend! They shouldn’t be difficult to find. 🙂 Thanks for the pin! 🙂
karrie @ Tasty Ever After says
Your first sentence is funny to me because I have a huge painting of Bosc pears in my dining room. Needless to day, I love the way pears look and taste and your recipe will be a favorite of mine for sure! I could eat this for breakfast, mid morning snack, mid afternoon snack, and for dessert. Beautiful pics too 🙂
Annie says
Aren’t they beautiful, though?! Thanks, my dear!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I LOVE switching things up each year at Thanksgiving. Granted there are a few dishes that are traditional, but I make a point to only do one traditional dish. I do variations or spins on the rest each year… including the turkey. For me, this year, I won’t be doing anything. My in-laws are having us over for appetizers, then Boy and I are going to dinner. This will be the third year in my life that I won’t be having a traditional dinner with family.. while I’m bummed, I am also relieved!
These pears are beyond gorgeous and your description, “It’s warm and melty, maple-y and gorgeous-tasting” makes my mouth water. I’m thinking I need to make these for Boy and I to nosh on when we get home. Or, I might force my M.I.L to let me bring these as an appetizer… she has told me not to bring a thing. (<– I think she forgets FOOD IS MY THING). lol. These pears are sheer perfection, I'm thinking if I send her this link she might change her mind! Pinned! Cheers, doll!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Ahh, I almost forgot! That plate is GORGEOUS! Where did you get it?
Annie says
Awwhhhh! You’re too much! Hmmmmm – now you got me thinking…I seriously have no idea. hahahahah. That’s bad, isn’t it?! For the life of me I can’t remember! I promise to let you know when/if it comes to me! Thanks, doll!
Annie says
It just came to me! I am 99% certain I bought it from Anthropologie two winters ago. 🙂
Annie says
I would love to have your Thanksgiving dinner! I can imagine the delectable twists and turns your meal must take. Sorta like the twist your day will take this year. I am sorry you’re bummed – I really am, and I get it. But I have every confidence it will turn out as lovely as ‘this’ day has ever been. You know why? You’re there. And Boy’s there. And you’ll have yummy appetizers with your in-laws. And if you’re lucky – these pears! 😉 Hang in there, my sweet… Cheers to you! xo
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
I give it a 10 drool level. I love fruit for desserts and perhaps some sweet wine! Excellent recipe!! I also love your plates.
Annie says
Ahhh! I will take it! And YES to the sweet wine! Thank you, dear!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
What an elegant, beautiful dessert, Annie. Love the combination of maple and granola – perfect!
Annie says
It has a little bit of everything! Thanks, friend!
mira says
Love bosc pears! This is such a great way to enjoy them! Pinned!
Annie says
They are so de-lish! Thanks, Mira! And thanks for the pin!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
These pairs look stunning and so delicious!
Annie says
Why thank you, dear! 🙂
Annie says
Annie these are so lovely!! And I love your moody shots, they are just stunning!
Annie says
Thank you for your kind words, Annie! I so appreciate them! Have a lovely weekend! 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
What a creative way to eat pears, Annie! I love the maple flavor. I bet this smelled amazing when it was cooking!
Annie says
It sure did… Thanks, friend! Have a great weekend! 🙂