Ingredients:

  • 6 medium Bosc pears
  • 3 tbsp melted coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup crushed walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice a thin sliver off the bottom of each pear so they stand upright in a 9-inch ceramic or glass baking dish.
  2. Using a paring knife or melon baller, remove the core and about 1 tablespoon of the surrounding flesh to create a clean well in the center without piercing through the bottom.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Use a pastry brush to coat the exterior and the interior well of each pear.
  4. Arrange pears upright in the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until fragrant and just beginning to soften.
  5. While pears roast, stir together the low-fat ricotta cheese, lemon juice, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup until smooth.
  6. Remove pears from the oven and spoon the ricotta mixture into the center of each pear. Top with crushed walnuts.
  7. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes until the stuffing is set and the edges of the pears are mahogany-colored.