4large pears2 lb. total weight, firm (don’t use ripe pears)
2tablespoonsunsalted buttermelted, plus 1 teaspoon for the pan
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
½teaspoonground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter the bottom of a 9 X 13 baking dish.
Peel the pears, halve and core them. You can core them with a melon baller, with a metal measuring spoon, or with a paring knife, as I do in the video below. I like to leave the stems on - they make for a pretty presentation. But you can cut them off if you wish. You can also shave a thin slice off the bottom of each pear half, enabling them to stay upright in the baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Brush the pears with the mixture on both sides.
Arrange the pears in the prepared baking dish, cut side down. Bake them until fork-tender, about 30 minutes per side, basting every 15 minutes with the pan juices.
Brush the pears one last time with the pan juices and serve warm.
Video
Notes
Serving suggestions:I like to serve baked pears with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. The richness of the heavy cream combines with the natural sweetness of the pears to create an exquisite experience.They're also very good with homemade frozen yogurt, with vanilla ice cream, or simply on their own.