Caramelized Rum Pears
There are some beautiful pears in the markets right now. I picked up a rather generous bag at Costco a couple of weeks ago and knew I could find something creative to do with some of these pears before they turned bad. The Red Anjou Pears (or Beurré d’Anjou) has a deep red skin that darkens as it ripens. What I really like about this variety of pear is that the texture is not grainy and they aren’t as sweet as other varieties. They’re perfect for fresh snacking, but also for this recipe in which I’m adding sugar. Other types of pears may be too sweet for this (personal preference).
I’ve slightly modified a recipe from the Martha Stewart Living site, which calls for Bartlett pears. It’s a great recipe as is, but my second rendition of these delicious pears I’ve made some additions:
- Used Anjou Pears.
- Added Rum to the sugar mixture.
- Added a generous pinch of cinnamon to the sugar mixture.
Serves 2
2 red Anjou pears
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon rum
1/3 cup water
Halve pears lengthwise. Remove cores using a melon baller or medium-sized cookie scoop.
Mix sugar and cinnamon on a plate.
Heat a skillet (that has a lid) large enough for your four slices of halved pears. Place each pear halves, sliced side in the sugar mixture and generously coat. Place the pear halves, cut side down, in the skillet. Cook uncovered until the pears start to brown (caramelize), about 5-8 minutes (your time will vary depending on how hot your pan is).
When the pears start to brown, slowly add water and rum to the skillet. Cover and simmer until the pears are tender, about 5-10 minutes. Use a wood toothpick to pierce the pears in the thickest area of the fruit’s body to check for tenderness. Add more water to prevent sugar from burning. When pears are done, remove from pan. Continue simmering the remaining liquid if it has not thickened. Use the thickened liquid as a sauce to serve over the pears.
This is so delicious served as is, it really doesn’t need any whipped cream or ice cream.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautifully done! I love roasted pears :D Yum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so glad that you stopped by my blog so that I could come here and now RSS yours! Your site is beautiful and your pictures look so delicious! I hope your Dulce de Leche works out great! Let me know! :)
Bonnie
Simple and delicious! I bet the rum gives a great flavor :D
Light and delicious!
Love caramelized ANYTHING but the pears are definitely a wonderful treat. Photos on this site are simply stunning. Really really good!
Haven’t done the caramelized fruit yet… Thanks for the inspiration!!
Mmm, this looks utterly fantastic. Love the addition of rum! This variety of pear is my daughter’s favorite — the next time I buy a batch I will try this!
I love the addition of rum here, fabulous!
I am very tempted. Must attempt poaching pears this year.
Oh, how I love pears! They’re so juicy and succulent! You’re making me want this so bad :D I love the addition of rum. This is as perfect as a fruit dessert can get :)
Oh I love caramelized fruits, and these lights desserts are my favorite! so tempting!
I remember Nigella Lawson making caramelized pears. This looks equally inviting!! Love the idea of adding some rhum for a kick…. U
Sounds delicious….I can imagine the taste.
looks amazing. I absolutely love caramelized fruit, usually in a salad. but these caramelized whole pears sound and look amazing.
I love caramelized pears! They are so simple, but oh so good!
Hi Georgia – It can probably be filed under “comfort food” like apple pie!
Thanks Spice Sherpa! Yes, the rum is a tasty added treat. “Rum-less” might be good for the kiddies =)
With a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this would be a perfect – and very elegant – dessert! Great recipe!
Those pears look fantastic. You suggested these could be served without the rum but that is precisely what attracted me to them! Rum as a base in syrupy sauces is just amazing. Thanks for sharing.