Spiced Pears
Sweet and spiced pear halves filled with creamy cheese, topped with cinnamon and dressed with French dressing, perfect for elegant appetizers or light desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 large can pear halves
- 1 pkg. cinnamon candies
- 1 large pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat the syrup from the pears and the cinnamon candies until melted.
- Place pear halves, rounded side down, in a flat shallow dish.
- Pour the melted syrup over the pears and refrigerate overnight.
- Drain the pears on waxed paper before serving.
- Thin the cream cheese with milk.
- Place the pears on a bed of lettuce.
- Put a scoop of the thinned cream cheese in each pear half.
- Drizzle each pear with French dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor twist, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the melted syrup. If you can't find cinnamon candies, crushed cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon can be used instead. To make it lighter, substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey. This recipe is perfect for those looking to explore easy vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spiced pears as a refreshing appetizer or a light dessert on a bed of crisp lettuce. They pair well with a side of light crackers or toasted bread to balance the sweetness. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside Chocolate Raspberry Crumb Bars for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spiced pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pears can be served cold directly from the fridge, but for a warmer option, gently reheat them in a microwave for about 20 seconds. Avoid reheating too long to maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Pears contains roughly 74 calories, with 2g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
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 make spiced pears ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this dish is best when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Prepare the pears and syrup the night before, refrigerate, and drain just before serving for optimal taste and texture.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey for sweetness. This gives a creamy texture while reducing calories and fat content. It's a delicious alternative that complements the pears well.
How can I enhance the flavor of the syrup?
To enhance the syrup's flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice or a hint of vanilla extract while melting the candies. This will give the pears an added depth of flavor that balances the sweetness nicely.
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).