Cinnamon Baked Pears
Pears are beginning to come into season here in Texas; and when Driftwood Meadows (one of my beloved farmers market vendors) introduced fresh vanilla extract to her offerings, I had to try my hand at a roasted pear dish I’ve had my eye on for a while.
This is a recipe that bridges the gap between the seasons, offering a taste of fall while celebrating the produce of our hot Texas summer. So, even in the heat, embrace the joys of local produce, experiment with unexpected flavor combinations, and savor every bite
Local roasted pears with cinnamon and honey
And if you’re thinking this doesn’t add any nutritional value to your life, think again!
Pears are a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. They are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health. Pears also contain potassium, which plays a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. The skin of pears contains phytonutrients and antioxidants, contributing to overall health.
Cinnamon is known for its potential to improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels. It also contains antioxidants that may have anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the warming flavor of cinnamon adds depth to the dish.
Additionally, you can source locally produced honey from Bee2Bee Honey. Bee2Bee has beekeepers across different areas of Houston, creating distinct local flavors. Using honey from your area not only supports beekeepers and promotes sustainable agriculture practices, but has amazing benefits for your health, especially during allergy season. When a person eats local honey, they are thought to be ingesting local pollen. Over time, a person may become less sensitive to this pollen. As a result, they may experience fewer seasonal allergy symptoms.
Here’s a rundown of the lovely vendors you can source from to create this recipe!
Synergos is a thriving healthy farm community, synergistically growing food, allowing all things to grow naturally. Located in Santa Fe, Texas, Synergos focuses on regenerative practices that support healthy soil, plants, and animals. I purchase raw milk from Synergos and often use the separated cream to make butter!
Driftwood Meadows began their journey as a family committed to putting better food on their table, food that comes from animals raised on pasture without the use of hormones or antibiotics. Located in Centerville, Driftwood provides pasture raised pork, chicken, and eggs. A new offering now includes vanilla extract.
Bee2Bee provides beekeeping services and hyper local Houston honey. They sell batches of honey separated by the neighborhoods the hives are located in, as well as infusions, and beehive products.
Wood Duck is an 87-acre farm, located in Cleveland, Texas. They have a thriving CSA program and have been providing healthy produce to the community for years. Wood Duck is actually in the process of fighting a proposed landfill in San Jacinto County, visit this website to learn more about how you can help!
Plant it Forward works with independent, professional farmers with refugee backgrounds to grow and distribute fresh produce throughout the community. At our market locations, we work with farmer Materanya “Pierre” Ruchinagiza, who is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each market he brings delicious vegetables and good conversation. He’s an amazing asset to the markets and his farming knowledge is invaluable!
Animal Farm is a working, sustainable permaculture center located 65 miles west of Houston. They are dedicated to producing high-quality certified organic vegetables and flowers. They sell at our markets, but also have a wonderful CSA program!
Verde Greens located in Houston, Texas, uses a combination of hydroponic and no-till soil cultivation methods to produce healthy, nutritious, pesticide- and herbicide-free leafy greens, herbs, and mixed vegetables for the community.
Sweetwater Farms HTX is a family-owned, urban farm located in Houston, Texas. They are 7 minutes from the loop in the middle of a food desert. It sits on 6 acres of land and is primarily used to teach inner city youth about agriculture through its partnership with TWEF. We grow some of the freshest seasonal veggies! Farm visits are reservation are only!
Share the love! Don’t forget to share photos and tag the vendors who provided the ingredients! One of the best ways to support these local, small businesses is by spreading the word and sharing your market finds with friends and family. And of course, if you stop by the Rice Village or Heights Mercantile markets striking up conversations with the vendors will always have you walking away with wonderful recipe ideas.
Ingredients
* indicates item purchased at the farmers market
*6 pears
*3-4 Tbsp honey
*1/4 tsp vanilla extract
*2 Tbsp melted butter (I made my own using the cream from raw milk I purchased at the market, any unsalted butter will work)
1/4 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp cinnamon
Method
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Cut the pears in half, lengthwise, and scoop out the core and seeds. Place the halved pears into a baking dish
In a bowl, combine the honey, vanilla extract, butter, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Mix together until well combined and spoon even amounts over the pears.
Bake the pears for 25-30 minutes, until fork tender and slightly golden (This baking time may be longer depending on the variety and ripeness of the pears you’re using, checking with a fork is key)
Let the pears cool slightly before serving. Eat on their own or place over vanilla ice cream or ricotta
We hope to see you at the 1st & 3rd Sunday at Rice Village Farmers Market or 2nd & 4th Sunday at Heights Mercantile Farmers Market. Both markets run from 9-1 pm, with Heights located at 714 Yale St. and Rice located at 2504 Amherst St. These markets operate rain or shine! We will have over 60 vendors, live music, and immaculate vibes.
Thank you for following along and supporting local!
xxCB