FLAVOR BOOSTER Naturally sweet, pears become even more so when baked until very tender. They are delicious on their own or topped with a dollop of rich mascarpone cheese and crumbled almond-flavored cookies for a slightly more lavish treat.

　　

Ingredients

serves 8

　　4 firm, ripe Bartlett pears (red or green), halved lengthwise and cored (unpeeled)

　　2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

　　2 tablespoons sugar

　　Pinch of coarse salt

　　1/4 cup water

　　1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

　　8 amaretti cookies (Italian almond macaroons)

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, toss pears with lemon juice, sugar, and salt; arrange halves in a single layer, cut side down. Add the water, cover dish tightly with foil, and bake until pears are easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife, 25 to 30 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Place each pear half, cut side up, on a plate, and top with 1 tablespoon mascarpone and 1 crumbled cookie. Drizzle with juices from baking dish, and serve.

　　

halving pears

Step 3

For a fresh-picked look, try to leave stems intact as you halve each pear lengthwise. Then use a melon baller or a small spoon to scoop out the core.

　　

Nutrition Information

Step 4

(Per Serving)

　　

Step 5

Calories: 196

　　

Step 6

Fat: 13.7g (7g Saturated Fat)

　　

Step 7

Protein: 2.7g

　　

Step 8

Carbohydrates: 18.2g

　　

Step 9

Fiber: 2.2g

　　Everyday Food: Light