| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 334 | 12g | 7g | 57g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 47g | 6g | 1g | 0.01g |
Embodying the essence of my Louisiana roots with a pinch of French elegance, one of my cherished recipes is the Roasted Pears with Star Anise. This delightful dish is a divine dessert that endows a sweet close to any gathering while at the same time, guarantees compliment after compliment.
Resonances of Home
There’s something about the Roasted Pears with Star Anise that harks me back to my childhood days in Louisiana. The aroma of star anise gently wafting into the air, blends with the decadent creaminess of butter and honey, creating a gourmet dessert that’s hard to resist. With this recipe, you will not only get to savour a delectable treat but also get a taste of my intimate connection with my French-Creole roots.
Invest in Health, Not Just Taste
Rallying alongside flavour, this recipe also presents a bounty of health benefits. Pears, a central ingredient, are packed with fibre and antioxidants, which aid digestion and fight free radicals. The addition of star anise, aside from its distinct flavour, brings in a host of health benefits. It’s a rich source of Shikimic acid, has potent anti-viral properties, and can aid in digestion. Studies have shown its potential benefits in improving sleep quality.
The recipe also incorporates raw cane sugar, a healthier alternative to white sugar, as it retains more of the natural nutrients found in sugarcane juice. Honey, another added sweetener, is a known natural antioxidant, antibacterial, and a rich source of flavonoids and phenolic compounds.
Pair it up, Pair it right
This divine dessert doesn’t have to stand alone. It beautifully pairs up with a variety of dishes. You can serve it with a scoop of French vanilla ice cream, which will complement the warm pears perfectly. If you’re more of a wine person, a glass of Sauternes, a sweet French white wine, can contrast beautifully with the star anise’s spicy undertones.
Of a truth, the Roasted Pears with Star Anise is a recipe that embodies my culinary journey – from the tables of Louisiana to the desserts of Paris. Taking you on a sensory journey, infusing health benefits and presenting pairing possibilities, it’s more than just a dessert. It’s an experience.
What You’ll Need
- 6 firm Bosc pears
- 6 star anise
- 1/2 cup of raw cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of water
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
- A pinch of sea salt
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). While the oven is preheating, peel the 6 firm Bosc pears and cut them in half. Remove the cores using a melon baller or a cookie scoop.
Step Two
Arrange the halved pears on a baking tray, cut sides up. In each pear half, embed a star anise. Sprinkle all over with the raw cane sugar and a pinch of sea salt. Drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice all over the pears.
Step Three
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the honey and water until all three ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step Four
Pour the honey-butter mixture all over the pears. Ensure that the mixture is evenly distributed among each pear half.
Step Five
Bake the pears in the preheated oven for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pears are golden and tender. During the baking time, baste the pears a few times with the honey-butter mixture from the baking tray.
Step Six
Once the pears are done roasting, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve the pears warm, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.
