Long before we were registered dietitians, personal trainers and even before we were veggie lovers, we were twins with a sweet tooth. And you probably know by now that we still have that sweet tooth, and are constantly creating healthy, delicious ways to squash it without all the sugar. Remember these yumsters? Strawberry Raspberry Lime Sherbet , Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream, 5 Minute Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, and our Strawberry Mint Ice Cream. We’ve always especially been drawn to frozen desserts and chocolate–and we also find that just like when we were kids, we are girls who like the inside of the pie more than the crust (duh, it’s much sweeter!) and the icing better than the cupcake, the inside of an Oreo (yes, we did try these at our friend’s houses and couldn’t just eat one!) more than the cookie part.
So, if you are like us and love the insides, or if you simply have a sweet tooth for desserts and pies, then this Roasted Pear treat is just for you! We took the crust out of the pie and created a lightened up version of a pear pie—and oh boy is it yummy! Warm and toasty, just in time for fall! We made this thinking it makes the perfect after meal snack (that feels like dessert!) that won’t derail your diet plans.
In fact, not only is this delish dessert waistline-friendly, it’s great for you too!
Be sure to keep the skin on the fruit in this recipe. Here’s why: recent studies have shown that the skin of pears contains at least three to four times as many cancer and inflammation fighting phenolic phytonutrients as the flesh! Plus, the skin of the pear has about half of the pear’s total dietary fiber—to keep you feeling full, keep your blood sugar stable and to help prevent bloat from constipation—oh yeah! 😉
Roasted Pears
Sweet, delicious, and rich flavored pears offer the crunchiness of apples yet are as juicy as peaches and nectarines. When these pears are baked, they break down their own natural sugars and taste even sweeter! Don’t like pears? No problem! This dessert works well with apples, peaches, and even sweet potatoes! This recipe is easy and incredibly tasty!
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 medium ripe, but firm pears
- 2 tablespoons stevia mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
Directions:
Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix the water, stevia, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a large bowl to create a syrup. Halve and core the pears and gently toss them in the maple syrup mixture.
Arrange the pears cut-side down in the baking dish. Pour any remaining syrup mixture over the top and pour the water into the bottom of the pan.
Roast the pears for 20 minutes, then gently turn them over and spoon some of the cooking liquid on top. Continue roasting, basting the pears occasionally until the pears are tender and golden, bake an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
Nutritional Information:
Per Serving (1 whole pear)
Calories 96; Fat 0.5g; Saturated Fat 0g; Carbohydrates 27g; Protein 1g; Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 1.7mg; Fiber 6g
- Ingredients:
- 4 medium ripe, but firm pears
- 2 tablespoons stevia mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix the water, stevia, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a large bowl to create a syrup. Halve and core the pears and gently toss them in the maple syrup mixture.
- Arrange the pears cut-side down in the baking dish. Pour any remaining syrupy mixture over the top and pour the water into the bottom of the pan.
- Roast the pears for 20 minutes, then gently turn them over and spoon some of the cooking liquid on top. Continue roasting, basting the pears occasionally until the pears are tender and golden, bake an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
