This is a go-to fall and winter dessert, a ready-when-you-are, last-minute triumph that seems more complex than it is. Winter pears (I typically use bosc), even slightly hard ones, are sliced, sprinkled with brown sugar that’s been spiced with ground cinnamon, nutmeg or mace (current fave) and doused with a little heavy cream. Add walnuts and/or seasonal dried fruit (raisins or cranberries). Bake in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes or until the fruit is tender and the sauce has almost caramelized. Magic.

Categories: PearsTags: Baked pears