Butterscotch Baked Pears

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375; peel pears and halve them vertically; with a melon baller or small spoon, scoop out the hard core of each.

2. 2

   Melt butter in an 8- to 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat.

3. 3

   Stir in the brown sugar and salt; add in the pears in a single layer, cut sides down.

4. 4

   Spoon some of the butter mixture over the pears.

5. 5

   Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the pears until soft, 15-20 minutes, basting once with the butter mixture while they bake.

6. 6

   Remove the pears from the skillet and arrange them on a rimmed platter or in a large shallow bowl.

7. 7

   Return the skillet to the stovetop; mix in the cream, vanilla, and bourbon; bring to a boil and reduce by about half, until very thick, stirring and keeping a close eye on the mixture.

8. 8

   Pour the sauce over the pears; Garnish with nuts and serve warm.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.