Golden Pears With Spiced Maple Granita Food

GOLDEN PEARS WITH SPICED MAPLE GRANITA

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a small stock pot. Simmer for about an hour.
• Turn off the heat and leave to cool for about an hour.
• Strain the poaching liquid into a covered container and freeze overnight.
• Refrigerate the pears until ready to serve.
• Serve poached pears with granita.
• Notes:.
• - Pears must be fully submerged in liquid. Add more water if needed.
• - If adding more liquid, reduce poaching liquid further until about a cup is left in the pot.

GOLDEN PEARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Combine the maple syrup, sugar, butter, vanilla and cinnamon in a medium saucepan.
• Over medium heat cook the syrup, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved.
• Set aside.
• Peel the pears, cut in half lengthwise and core.
• Place in a 3 quart baking dish.
• Pour on the syrup, turning pears to coat.
• Bake in the pre heated oven for 20-25 minutes or until pears are just soft.
• Turn the pears a few times to coat and remove to a baking sheet.
• Add a little water to thin the syrup and set aside.
• Place one slice of cheese on each pear half.
• Combine the 1/4 cup coconut with the brown sugar and butter.
• Mix well.
• Sprinkle on top of pears and cheese.
• Broil until the cheese is melted and the topping is a nice golden brown.
• Place two halves on a dessert plate and drizzle syrup on top.
• Repeat with the remaining halves.
• Serve warm.

ROASTED CARAMELIZED PEARS WITH SPICED WALNUT GRANOLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl stir to combine the walnuts, rolled oats, chili powder, salt, 1 tablespoon maple syrup and olive oil. Spread evenly onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes turning twice for a golden crunch. Remove and allow to cool.
• In a large oven safe sauté pan, melt butter over medium high heat. Place pears in pan, cut side down, and cook until golden and caramelized, about 5 minutes.
• Add cranberries, 1/2 cup maple syrup, juice and zest of 1/2 orange and allspice to the pan. Transfer to the oven and bake or 30 minutes or until cooked through. Turn the pears half way through the baking time and baste with pan juices.
• Spread yogurt onto a serving plate or platter and top with pears and cranberries. Sprinkle spiced walnut granola over the pears and drizzle with orange maple pan sauce. Garnish with mint sprigs to serve.