Pears With Filberts(Serves 4; Working Time: 30 Minutes)
Sweet ripe pears are topped with toasted filberts and brown sugar, then broiled until golden, creating an elegant dessert perfect for fall gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Spread the filberts in a single layer in a small cake pan or roasting pan.
- Toast the nuts in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Test a nut for doneness by rubbing it in a clean kitchen towel; the skin should come off easily.
- When the nuts are done, wrap them in the towel and rub off their skin.
- Let the nuts cool to room temperature.
- Put the nuts, light brown sugar, and cold unsalted butter into a food processor or blender and process until the nuts are coarsely chopped.
- Set the mixture aside.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Peel the pears, then halve them lengthwise and core them, rubbing them with the lemon half to prevent discoloration.
- Arrange the pear halves, cored side up, in a large, shallow baking dish.
- Moisten the pears with lemon juice and sprinkle the filbert mixture over them.
- Broil the pears until the topping browns and bubbles, about two minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using toasted hazelnuts instead of filberts. If you're short on time, pre-chopped nuts can be a great substitute. Ensure the pears are ripe for the best texture and sweetness. To enhance the dish, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brown sugar mixture before broiling.
Serving Suggestions
These pears make a delightful dessert on their own but can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with caramel sauce. They pair beautifully with a warm slice of Peach Dessert Cake for a comforting meal. Consider serving with a light salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the pears on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This will help maintain their texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pears With Filberts(Serves 4; Working Time: 30 Minutes) contains roughly 207 calories, with 1g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute filberts with other nuts like walnuts or pecans. Just keep in mind that different nuts have varying flavors and textures, which may slightly alter the final taste of the dish.
What type of pears work best for this recipe?
Bartlett or Bosc pears are ideal for this recipe due to their sweetness and firm texture. Avoid overly ripe pears as they may become mushy when broiled.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the nut mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container. Peel and core the pears just before broiling to ensure they stay fresh. This way, you can quickly assemble and broil them when ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).