Katie Morford is a food writer and registered dietician, but first and foremost, a mother of three.  She strives to raise her children as healthy and curious eaters, and offers recipes and advice on her fabulous blog, Mom’s Kitchen Handbook.  Katie’s first Resident Recipe is perfect for right now, so go out and pick some pears this weekend and make this delicious sauce you’ll want to eat out of the pot!

Maple Ginger Pear Sauce

Juicy ripe pears are cooked down with a swirl of maple syrup and a fragrant hit of ginger into a delicate, flavorful sauce that’s excellent both warm and cold. It makes a comforting snack eaten straight up, or is tasty with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for breakfast or alongside a pork roast for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 8 large ripe pears, peeled, cut into 1 inch cubes (about 8 cups)
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup water

Put the pears, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and water into a medium pot, stir well, and set over high heat. When the liquid comes to a boil, drop the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer.

Cook the pears, stirring occasionally, until they are tender enough to mash with a fork, about 20 minutes. Be sure that a little liquid remains in the bottom of the pot at all times. If not, add a tablespoon or 2 of water as needed. If quite a bit of juice remains when the pears are nearly cooked, remove the lid and turn up the heat so excess liquid evaporates.

Transfer the pears to a blender or food processor and puree until silky smooth. Pour into a bowl or storage container and refrigerate. The sauce will firm up as it cools.

Makes about 4 1/2 cups