Pan-Roasted Gingered Pears with Toasted Hazelnuts

These pan-roasted pears are a healthy, elegant dessert. Cored pears serve as natural bowls for fat-free vanilla yogurt and crunchy toasted hazelnuts, all drizzled with a fragrant ginger and agave sauce. Cooking the pears enhances soluble fiber, making this treat both delicious and heart-healthy.

Recipe Information

Total Time:

Yield:

6 servings

Ingredients

3 pears, cored and halved

½ cup apple juice

¼ cup light agave nectar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon grated gingerroot

6 tablespoons fat-free vanilla yogurt

3 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts, toasted*

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Directions

To soften pears, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, place pears (cut sides down) and apple juice. Bring to boiling; cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes or until pears are tender. Transfer pears to serving platter, reserving juices in skillet.
For sauce, in the same skillet, add agave nectar, brown sugar and ginger. Whisk together over low heat until sauce comes to a low boil and thickens. Remove from heat. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the yogurt on each pear; sprinkle toasted hazelnuts. Drizzle sauce on filled pears.

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*To toast hazelnuts, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add hazelnuts and carefully toss until golden brown.

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