Baked Pears And Spicy Plums
serves 2
Some might find the combination of spicy red pepper flakes and plums a bit unusual. Each bite is sweet and warm initially, with a sharp bite of heat as you swallow. If you aren’t a fan, this dessert is still delicious without the pepper flakes.
Read more about this recipe at Cook & Eat.
2 plums
1 1/2 teaspoon cane sugar
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon grated orange rind (fresh or dried)
1 teaspoon lavender
1 pear
1 teaspoon butter, room temperature
prep: 10 minutes
total: 40 minutes
2 small bowls
baking parchment
baking sheet
1. Remove the stones from the plums and chop coarsely. In a small bowl, combine the plums, 1/2 teaspoon of the sugar and a good pinch of red pepper flakes. Cover and let sit for about 10 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 375F.
3. In another small bowl, mix up the remaining sugar, the orange zest and the lavender. Set aside.
4. Slice the pear in half and remove the core with a spoon, leaving just the stem (they look nicer with stems intact). Place the pear on a parchment lined baking sheet, cut side up. Spoon half of the plum mixture into each side of the pear. Sprinkle with the sugar mixture. Dot with the butter.
5. Bake until the pear becomes soft and just starts to brown along the edges, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand for at least 5 minutes before serving. Top with a bit of sweetened whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
