By Irene Hayton

A healthy snack or dessert that even the kids will love, this dish is quick and easy to make.

• 4 ripe pears
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) virgin coconut oil (see Notes)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon (2 ml) ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) unprocessed sea salt (see Notes)
• chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans (optional)

Cut the pears in half lengthwise, remove the stems and cores, but do not peel. Place the pear halves cut side up in a baking dish. Cut a small slice off the bottom of the pears so that they are level to keep the sauce on top of them.

In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat. Remove from heat, add the lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and sea salt; mix well. Drizzle this sauce over the pears, then cover and bake at 350º F (180º C) for about 30 minutes or until tender. Baste the pears with the sauce on the bottom of the dish and top with chopped nuts, if using. Makes 8 servings.

Notes:

• Virgin coconut oil adds a slight coconut flavor; if you don’t like the taste of coconut, use regular coconut oil instead. The oil helps to decrease the glycemic response of the sugars in this recipe.
• The pears are naturally high in potassium and sugar, making them cooling foods. The sodium in the sea salt combines with the potassium to make them neutral—neither warming nor cooling.