Spiced Pear Muffins

Spiced pears are one of my go-to quick yet elegant desserts (click HERE for recipe), and a version of them is what I had in mind when I bought some nice juicy pears.

However, I then remembered I still had some leftovers cooked ones already in the fridge, so, very quickly I changed the plan, and decided to bake spiced pear muffins instead.

Braised Pot Roast with Pear Cider and Leek Gravy

After successfully using hard apple cider in a few dishes recently, I’ve found myself looking at a sparkling hard pear cider at the store, wondering if it will give a dish similar tasty results.

Spiced Pears in Butterscotch Sauce

Poached pears is my go-to recipe, when I’m looking for a quick, tasty and light dessert (click HERE for the recipe). Pears have an incredible way of absorbing flavors while cooking, yet keep their shape, and can be easily served on their own, or with few additions, creating an effortless and elegant dessert.

Camembert en Croûte with Salted Caramel Balsamic Pears

Baked cheese is one of my favorite ways of serving semi-soft cheeses. The baking process enhances the cheese flavors and makes its texture even creamier. Served with fresh, or cooked fruits, (check HERE for a recipe with quince cooked in spiced red wine) the combination is even tastier.
In the following recipe, I took this combination a step further, and baked the cheese, along with cooked pears, “en croûte”, i.e. in a buttery puff pastry crust, and the result was simply irresistible.

Pears poached in White Wine, Brown Sugar and Star Anise

The following recipe is one of the shortest ones in this blog, yet I’m sure you’ll find it is also one that you will make frequently, as it is so easy to prepare and so tasty.

Crostini with Fresh Mozzarella and Caramelized Pears

Crostini (“little toasts” in Italian) are a great way to make an easy yet impressive appetizer. The toppings are endless and are up to your liking, so mix and match.
I like the combination of cheese and fruit, as seen here. * If you don’t have Vegetarian friends coming over (like I had the day photos were taken), add some good quality thinly sliced Prosciutto on top of the cheese.