The Duchess of Sussex shared a sweet and natural recipe, perfect for serving this holiday season. Here's how to make it, step by step.
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, surprised everyone by sharing her recipe for baked pears, a simple six-ingredient holiday dessert that's easy to make and a healthy option for the holidays. The recipe was shared through Netflix's "With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebrations" project.
The dessert stands out for its versatility and ability to adapt to different tastes, combining the natural sweetness of pears with aromatic spices and a touch of honey, offering a balance between flavor and lightness. Prince Harry's wife's version offers a simple and elegant take on a winter classic.
Furthermore, its adaptability allows it to be enjoyed at both intimate gatherings and large celebrations, adjusting to the preferences and needs of each guest. From a nutritional standpoint, it differs from other holiday desserts due to its lighter profile. The prominence of the fruit, along with the moderate use of natural sweeteners, allows you to enjoy something sweet without overindulging.
Ingredients for Baked Pears
To make this fresh and visually appealing dessert for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day family gatherings, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 ripe, firm Bosc pears
- Unsalted butter (as needed)
- Honey (to taste)
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Lemon zest
Step-by-step instructions for making Meghan Markle's Christmas dessert
- Prepare the pears: Wash the pears thoroughly under running water. Once clean, cut them in half and carefully remove the core of each pear to extract the seeds, being careful not to damage the flesh. It is recommended to leave the skin on, as it adds texture and flavor to the dish.
- Prepare the baking sheet and place the pears: To prevent the pears from sticking, lightly grease the bottom of the baking sheet with unsalted butter. This will also help them stay moist during baking. Then, place the pears cut-side up. It's important to make sure they're evenly spaced and have some room between them to allow for heat circulation.
- Add the seasonings: Sprinkle cinnamon and ground ginger over the pears to taste. The cinnamon will add a warm aroma, while the ginger adds a spicy touch that complements the fruit's sweetness.
- Add the lemon zest and honey: Add the lemon zest over the pears. This step is key, as the lemon's acidity will balance the sweetness of the dish and enhance all the flavors. At this stage, also drizzle honey generously over the pear halves. The amount depends on your personal preference, but make sure each half is well coated so it caramelizes in the oven.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit) for approximately 20 minutes. This will ensure even cooking and help achieve proper caramelization. Next, place the tray with the pears in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
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Let it rest and serve: Once the pears are ready, remove them from
the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will
allow the flavors to meld and the heat to distribute evenly.
Variations to add to the dessert
Meghan often accompanies baked pears with candied walnuts and a dollop of yogurt, creating a contrast of textures. They can also be served with ice cream, especially vanilla, granola, or nuts, adapting to different tastes and preferences.
Their versatility allows for savory versions, incorporating ingredients like strongly flavored cheeses. Another option is to replace the lemon zest with orange zest, achieving a new flavor variation.
