Honey-Fried Pear Recipe

I was in a pie mood the other day and recalled Aunt Sarah’s Fried Apple Pie. She sautéd apples in a skillet, added seasonings, covered the apples with a crust and baked it in a hot oven.

Pie I wanted. A bought pie wouldn’t do and I didn’t want to deal with a crust. So, I simplified and came up with this remarkably satisfying and lush treat that’s ready in less than 10 minutes. It’s better than pie!

Simply sauté fruit slices with a little honey. While the fruit softens the honey caramelizes making an exquisite sauce—and you only have one pan to clean! Regarding which fat to use, that’s your option. Butter makes it taste buttery, coconut oil adds a nutty flavor and red palm oil turns the pear a fetching golden color. I invite you to try it with the fruit of your choice.

Serves 2

1 large pear
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, coconut oil or palm oil
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon lemon or orange zest
Freshly grated nutmeg

Slice pear into halves, peel and remove the stem and seeds. Slice into 1/2-inch slices.

Warm the fat, honey, cinnamon and zest in a skillet over medium heat and stir to blend. In a single layer, arrange the pear slices in the honey mixture and cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes until soft on one side. Turn and cook the other side until desired softness is achieved and the honey mixture has thickened, lightly caramelized and turned a shade darker.

Divide pear and sauce between two dessert plates. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

Variations:

Use an apple, Asian pear, fresh pineapple slices or a firm fruit of your choice.

Broil in a shallow pan; or bake.

 May you be well nourished,

Rebecca Wood