Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 2

　　1 tablespoon unsalted butter

　　2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar

　　2 tablespoons water

　　1/4 tablespoon ground cardamom

　　1 Bosc pear

　　1 tablespoon dark rum

　　Accompaniment: vanilla ice cream

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 450°F.

　　

Step 2

In a small saucepan melt butter over moderate heat and stir in brown sugar, water, and cardamom until sugar is dissolved. Quarter pear lengthwise and core. Cut each pear quarter in half lengthwise and in an 8-inch square baking pan toss with syrup. Roast pears in middle of oven, turning once, until tender and syrup is caramelized, about 15 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Transfer pears with a slotted spoon to 2 plates and stir rum into syrup until combined well. Scoop ice cream onto plates and spoon syrup over it.