Caramelized pears with maple syrup and nuts

Yields: 2 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients 

• 2 ripe pears (such as Conference or Williams)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• (Optional) 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone

Preparation 

1. Prepare the pears: Peel the pears, cut them in half, and remove the core. You can also cut them into thick wedges for a different presentation.
2. Heat the grill pan: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Add a knob of butter to prevent the pears from sticking and add a rich flavor.
3. Cook the pears: Place the pear halves or wedges on the hot grill pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and tender.
4. Caramelize: At the end of cooking, drizzle the pears with maple syrup and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the maple syrup forms a glaze.
5. Add nuts: While the pears are caramelizing, sprinkle them with chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and added flavor.

To serve: Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone for a luxurious touch.