Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese

Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese is a delightful and healthy dessert that combines the natural sweetness of pears with warm cinnamon flavors and creamy yogurt cheese. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner party.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. Pears have long been a popular fruit for baking, and when paired with cinnamon and yogurt cheese, they create a delicious and satisfying treat.

Ingredients

1 stick of cinnamon
0.25 cup of chopped dates
0.25 cup of raisins
0.5 tsp of cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp of lemon zest
2 tbsp of prune purée
2 tbsp of brown sugar
4 large pears
0.5 cup of water

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, mash the first 7 ingredients until you have a paste.
Keeping the stem intact, peel and core the pears, digging out a cavity 1 inch across and 2.5 inches deep from the center of the large end.
Press equal parts of the mixture into the pears.
Place the pears standing up in a small baking dish, add water and a cinnamon stick to the pan, and cover with foil.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake the pears for 40 minutes or until tender.
Transfer the pears to individual plates and pour the remaining syrup from the baking pan on top.
Place a dollop of yogurt cheese next to each pear and serve.

Variations

Try using different types of pears for a variety of flavors.
Add chopped nuts or granola to the filling for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to choose ripe pears for this recipe, as they will be sweeter and more flavorful.

- Make sure to dig out a deep enough cavity in the pears to hold the filling.

- Keep an eye on the pears while baking to ensure they do not overcook and become mushy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar.

- Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for yogurt cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling mixture and stuff the pears ahead of time, then bake them when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pears on a decorative plate with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of hot tea for a perfect ending to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese contains approximately 2 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese contains approximately 1 gram of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Pears are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, while cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties. Yogurt cheese provides calcium and probiotics.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from yogurt cheese. It may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese is a nutritious dessert option that is low in calories and fats, while providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese is a delicious and healthy dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warm flavors of cinnamon and sweet pears with creamy yogurt cheese for a satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a recipe caught my eye - Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of sweet pears, warm cinnamon, and tangy yogurt cheese sounded intriguing. I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did.

The first step was to gather all the ingredients. I picked some ripe pears from the tree in my backyard, grabbed a container of yogurt from the fridge, and rummaged through my pantry for cinnamon and other spices. As I gathered everything together, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of creating something new and delicious.

I carefully sliced the pears in half and removed the seeds, then placed them on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, I mixed together some melted butter, brown sugar, and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon. I drizzled this mixture over the pears, making sure to coat them evenly.

As the pears baked in the oven, the sweet aroma of cinnamon filled the kitchen. I couldn't wait to try them with the yogurt cheese. I had never made yogurt cheese before, but I remembered my friend Margaret mentioning it once. She had learned how to make it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her own mother.

I poured the yogurt into a cheesecloth-lined strainer and placed it in the fridge to drain. As the whey dripped out, the yogurt thickened into a creamy, tangy cheese. It was the perfect accompaniment to the warm, cinnamon-spiced pears.

When the pears were done baking, I plated them and topped each half with a dollop of the yogurt cheese. The contrast of flavors and textures was divine - the soft, sweet pears paired beautifully with the creamy, tangy cheese. I couldn't believe how delicious it was.

I shared the dish with my family that evening, and they all raved about how tasty it was. My husband said it was the best dessert he had ever tasted, and my grandchildren asked for seconds. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had discovered such a wonderful recipe.

Since that day, Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese has become a staple in my kitchen. I make it whenever I want to treat my loved ones to something special, and it always brings a smile to their faces. I have passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, and I hope that they will continue to enjoy it for years to come.

I am grateful for the serendipitous moment that led me to discover this delicious recipe. It is a reminder of the joy that can come from trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone. I will always cherish the memory of that autumn day when I first made Cinnamon-baked Pears with Yogurt Cheese, and I look forward to many more happy moments in the kitchen.