Roasted Pears with Bourbon Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream, Toasted Pecans and Spiced Honey

Ingredients:

4 ripe but firm pears, halved and cored (bosc is preferred)

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped

Bourbon Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

1 tablespoon bourbon

Spiced Honey:

1/4 cup honey

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg

Instructions:

Roast the Pears: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange pear halves in a baking dish, cut side up. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.

Toast the Pecans: While the pears are roasting, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Make the Whipped Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and bourbon until soft peaks form. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Prepare the Spiced Honey: In a small saucepan, warm the honey with cinnamon and cloves over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Serve: Place roasted pear halves on a serving plate. Top with a dollop of bourbon vanilla bean whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, and a drizzle of spiced honey. Serve warm.