Here is an elegant dessert that relies on its own simplicity, any extra complication would distract from the simple flavor combination. This is also a good alternative to the typical wine poached pear, here the focus is on the pear, not overdone, and cleanly flavored. It’s important to not overcook the pear, which leaves it mushy.
Baked Pears with Fig in Vanilla Syrup
1/2 vanilla bean
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 large, firm, but not under-ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett work well)
2 tablespoons butter
2 dried Black Mission figs (soft enough that they can be thinly sliced)
Split vanilla bean lengthwise and to a small saucepan, extract the seeds from both sides by scraping with a paring knife. Add the remaining part of the bean, and cover with 1/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup water. Bring to a boil, allowing sugar to dissolve, and then simmer for 10-15 minutes. You will be left with a nicely perfumed simple syrup, strain or remove large pieces of vanilla pod and set aside.
Peel pears and halve lengthwise, leaving stems attached. Remove core, and with a sharp knife, remove a thin layer from the rounded part of the pear, allowing it to sit flatly on a plate.
In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt butter, add brown sugar and stir until melted. Place pears, cored side down, into pan and cook until brown, keeping them moving a little, to prevent sticking. Turn pears and cook their back for a couple of minutes as well. Transfer individually to a baking dish, and pour vanilla syrup over each pear as to as to coat the flesh. Add a couple slices of fig to each pear center and then spoon a little syrup over the figs. Bake until golden and tender, about 25 minutes, serve. If you are left with extra syrup, it works well as an addition to iced drinks like lemonade.
Thom says:
March 4th, 2008 at 10:44 pmI saw your stunning pear photo on Tastespotting and now I’m addicted to your whole blog!
foodie froggy says:
March 11th, 2008 at 1:18 amElegant is the word…
fanny says:
March 11th, 2008 at 4:36 amDavid,
it looks absolutely gorgeous. I love how simple and delicate it seems.
xx fanny
Big Boys Oven says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:08 amI also like the plate very much! lol!
Tartelette says:
April 19th, 2008 at 9:32 amSimple, fresh and delicate: gorgeous!
On Banana Cupcakes and Other Blogs at Joy The Baker says:
May 31st, 2008 at 3:09 pm[…] Daniel is an untrained food lover, experimenting and really creating some fantastic dishes. His Baked Pears with Fig in Vanilla Syrup caught my eye. The photography is charming and he’s got a very readable voice. He’s […]
My Sweet & Saucy says:
June 2nd, 2008 at 9:16 amIt is simply stunning looking!
Michael says:
July 25th, 2008 at 1:06 pmI think I am going to try to make this. I have never made my own vanilla syrup from beans but now is as good time as any.
Jenny says:
December 12th, 2009 at 2:55 amThis will be fantastic for a special dinner I’m making tomorrow.
One question: what temperature would you recommend the oven be set at for the pears?
Thanks for the wonderful recipe
Bruno says:
February 16th, 2010 at 3:42 pmWow, beautiful. I’ve never tasted fig, but pear and vanilla sounds great together. How was it? Yummi? =D