Thursday, January 6, 2011

Sautéed Pears with Balsamic Glaze


Is there such a thing as a healthy dessert? Sounds kind of like an oxymoron, right? But there are actually low calorie desserts for those who are health conscious but have not lost their craving for something sweet. With the first of the year comes a lot of resolutions to get fit and eat healthier. So during the month of January, I will be posting some healthy (or shall I say healthier than what I would normally post) desserts.

Dark chocolate has some health benefits and has been shown to reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure, which is good for the heart. Fruits are naturally sweet, very nutritious, and many are a good source of fiber and antioxidants. That being said, some healthy desserts might include flourless chocolate cake, baked fruits, yogurt parfaits, oatmeal cookies, smoothies...there's a lot to choose from. So don't be discouraged!

I prepared a savory dessert of sautéed pears with a balsamic glaze. Since I need to detox from all of the holiday sweets, I am going to enjoy this recipe with walnuts and blue cheese. I like to place the prepared dish in the fridge for about fifteen minutes to allow it a chance to cool before I dig in. By the time I get the remote and turn on Grey's Anatomy, dessert will be about ready.

If you absolutely must sweeten it to consider it a dessert, then you have certainly missed the whole point. But, you can use candied walnuts. Or you can eliminate the balsamic vinegar, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the pan and garnish with crème fraiche or yogurt.


 Sautéed Pears with Balsamic Glaze

1 Bosc pear
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Sprinkle of cinnamon
1/8 c walnut pieces
1/4 c balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp crumbled blue cheese, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly toast walnuts for 3-5 minutes. Place balsamic vinegar in small saucepan and allow it to reduce for 3-5 minutes. Slice and core the pear. Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Add pears and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side. Cool.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze, nuts and blue cheese.


All photographs are actual pictures of the recipe listed, prepared by Virtually Everything Sweet, and cannot be used without the owner’s consent.

2 comments:

  1. Super elegant. And if your pears are perfect, then no doubt, it's sweet enough as is. Great dessert!

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  2. Thank you! That might be worth a do-over this evening. It really hit the spot. Enjoy your weekend!

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