Fruit on Fruit: Baked Pears and Spicy Plums

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I have a friend who has issues with meat on meat. She just thinks that combining any two kinds of meat into a dish is simply disgusting. I had never heard of the meat on meat issue before, but apparently it’s a thing. So, when I made this quick little dessert, topping pears with plums, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was going to be putting anyone off with fruit on fruit! Maybe the creaminess of a pear shouldn’t be mixed up with the zing of a plum? Does one pollute the other?

Personally, I don’t think so. What is more likely is that some might find the combination of spicy red pepper flakes and plums in this recipe a bit unusual. Each bite is sweet and warm initially, with a sharp bite of heat as you swallow. I love the combination of hot and sweet almost as much as I love hot and salty, but it does take some getting used to. If you aren’t a fan, this dessert is still delicious without the pepper flakes.

Baked Pears with Spicy Plums
Ingredients are per pear, which makes 2 servings

1 pear
2 plums
1 t grated orange rind (fresh or dried)
1 1/2 t cane sugar
1 t lavendar
chile flakes
1 t butter, room temperature

Remove the stones from the plums, and chop coarsely. In a small bowl, combine the plums, 1/2 t of the sugar, and a good pinch of chili flakes. Cover and let sit for about 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375F.

In another small bowl, mix up the remaining sugar, the orange zest and the lavendar. Set aside.

Slice the pear in half and remove the core with a spoon, leaving just the stem (as you can see, I removed the stems in mine, but I think they look nicer with stems intact). Place the pear on a parchment lined baking sheet, cut side up. Spoon half of the plum mixture into each side of the pear. Sprinkle with the sugar mixture. Dot with the butter.

Bake until the pear becomes soft and just starts to brown along the edges, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand for at least 5 minutes before serving. Top with a bit of sweetened whip cream or ice cream if desired.

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0 thoughts on “Fruit on Fruit: Baked Pears and Spicy Plums

  1. oh, I especially love that hotness –
    this looks delicious!
    haha, I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢m glad you still know what to do with your pears, very original + tasty…

  2. Absolutely not – I think this combination is absolutely stellar and would be more than welcome on my plate.

    As for your friend, tell her one of my favourite Nigella Lawson quotes – one meat makes for a meal, but two make for a feast 😉

  3. Julia – Thanks!

    Ellie – great quote! Thanks!

    Peabody – I think the turducken might have set her off. But I have other friends that are religious about making one every year. 🙂

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