Caramelized Pear Custard

By TPMay

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 2 ripe hard pears, such as Bartlett or Comice (about 1 pound)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional)
• 2 large eggs, beaten with a fork
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400⁰F.
Peel and core the pears, and cut each into 6 wedges. Put them in a skillet with the sugar and butter and cook, uncovered, over high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, turning them once, until they are lightly caramelized. Transfer to a 4- to 5-cup gratin dish.
Mix together the half-and-half, vanilla extract, rum (if using), beaten eggs and maple syrup in a bowl. Pour the custard over the pears.
Place the gratin dish on a cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 25 minutes, until the custard is just set.
Serve at room temperature, with a sprinkling of the confectioners' sugar on top.