Spiced Pears and Toasted Brioche

Prep time: 10 minutes                            Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6 

Ingredients:

• ¼ c. unsalted butter
• ⅔ c. firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 ½ vanilla bean, split length wise, seeds scraped and reserved
• ¾ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. ground ginger
• ⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp. salt
• 6 green pears, peeled and cut into ⅛ in. thick slices
• 12 (2 ½ in.) brioche slices, toasted
• ½ c. Student-Made Pear-Honey Fruit Spread
• Garnish: whipped cream

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, vanilla seeds, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt, stirring to combine.
2. Add pears, tossing gently to coat. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pears are just tender, 6-8 minutes.
3. Remove pears from skillet and set aside. Continue cooking the brown sugar mixture until thickened.
4. Place a toasted brioche square on each plate. Top with Pear-Honey Fruit Spread, pear slices, and drizzle with a small amount of brown sugar mixture. Repeat layers once and garnish with whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!