homemade whipped cream or coconut cream to topoptional
Instructions
Peel pears. If desired, core and quarter them for faster cook time.
Melt butter or coconut oil over medium heat in a large saucepan.
Add the pears and cook until the pears start to soften and brown slightly.
Add maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, orange juice, and water and continue to simmer uncovered for approximately 20 minutes until juice reduces down and pears are soft all the way through. At this point, the juice, syrup, and spice mixture will also start to form a glaze.
Add raisins to pan if using.
If using brandy, add to the pan and flambe. This is done by exposing the alcohol in the pan to fire from a match or gas burner and then swirling the pan until the flame subsides. If you aren't familiar with this technique or don't want to do it, the alcohol can be omitted, or the mixture can just be simmered for an additional few minutes to evaporate the alcohol. The flambe does impart a deeper, richer, flavor if you are able to do it.
Remove from heat and top with chopped pecans and whipped cream if using.
Notes
This is a delicious and elegant dessert that can be customized by adding whichever toppings sound tastiest to you!