Homemade Roasted Pears in ginger syrup
These roasted pears in ginger syrup (Full of Plants) are a nice warming dessert. So simple to make, and ideal if you have some ‘rock-hard’ pears that need cooking, to soften them up.
Read up on food safety for people and pets. Fully remove tinned lids (or pop ring-pulls back over holes) before recycling, to avoid wildlife getting trapped.
This recipe cooks up fresh pears with ginger, and the dish is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar. Serve the dish with vegan vanilla ice-cream.
Of course, you could also make this dish with other winter veggies like cooked apples. Thomas says you could add a teaspoon of real vanilla extract (don’t use fake vanilla, it’s vile and often made with castoreum from beavers).
You could add in some warming spices, or even (for adults) add some chopped nuts for protein and crunch.
Seek out Fresh Juicy Pears
Have you ever tried a proper juicy organic pear? Most supermarkets only sell rock-hard pears from abroad, which are shipped (or more likely air-freighted) to England frozen. Then then sit in central distribution houses (all the chilling and travelling uses a colossal amount of oil).
Real pears are organically grown and super-juicy, you’ll need a napkin! They are packed with nutrition (and surprisingly for a fruit, they are rich in calcium).
Most people can eat pears, though obviously avoid for young children and choking hazards. Also keep away from pets, as fruit pips and seed are unsafe near animal friends.
England has a quite few types of pears, and you’ll find good ones at local organic box schemes, farm shops or farmers’ markets (they will also not be packed in plastic packaging). Good ones include:
- Conference (sweet and juicy!)
- Comice (even sweeter, a great dessert pear)
- Concorde (widely grown)
- Williams (Bartlett (proper English!)
You can also (just like cooking apples) buy cooking pears. So keep an eye out! Cooked pears is a lovely teatime warming treat in cold weather.
Of course, two other ways to support our local pear growers are to buy organic pear juice (again often found in farm shops). Or failing that, head thee to your local pub, and order some organic vegan cider (fermented pears, not just apples!)
Pear Ginger Cake with Rosemary Caramel Sauce
This pear ginger cake (Chickpea magazine) is made with golden syrup and nutmeg, served with a rosemary caramel sauce. It keeps well so make in advance, and warm up leftovers or serve with afternoon tea.
