DELICIOUS STUFFED PALEO PEARS
Updated: Sep 29
Introduction
As someone who was recently diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and has spent the last almost thirty years of my life without any dietary restrictions, you can imagine how hard it is now to suddenly become ill to foods I had been enjoying my whole life. My journey to wellness lead me to create each and every one of these recipes featured on Damngoodthyme.
With the diagnosis of MCAS came hormonal imbalances, leading to hypothyroidism and PCOS. What I was unaware of at the time of these diagnoses, was that diet would play the biggest role in helping me achieve remission and lose the weight gained from all of the inflammation my body was under. I began to prioritize eating high protein meals to help with blood sugar imbalances. But, with any "diet" there should always be room for foods that you enjoy.
With the fall season just around the corner, I wanted to create the perfect dessert that encapsulates all of the warm flavors that November has to bring. These nutty stuffed pears do just that- the warm nuts and spices are the perfect feel good addition to any dessert spread.
This Thanksgiving, elevate your dessert experience with the allure of these Nutty Stuffed Pears—an irresistible symphony of flavors and textures that transforms ordinary pears into a decadent treat. Each pear is carefully cored and generously filled with a delightful medley of chopped nuts, blended with sweet maple syrup aromatic cinnamon, and perhaps a touch of vanilla. The result is a harmonious fusion of natural sweetness, nuttiness, and warm spice.
As the pears cook, the fragrant aroma of toasted nuts and maple syrup fills the kitchen, creating an anticipation of the delectable delight about to unfold. The softened pear becomes a tender vessel, ready to be adorned with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of additional nuts before serving.
Whether served as a dessert at for your Thanksgiving Dinner, or as a cozy indulgence on a quiet evening, these Nutty Stuffed Pears offer a delightful balance of elegance and simplicity, leaving your taste buds enchanted and your guests craving more. This is a dessert that truly invites you to savor the magic of seasonal fruits and the comforting warmth of nuts in every spoonful.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
1/4 cup raw walnuts
1/4 cup raw pecans
1/4 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes
1/4 teaspoon ground, cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and cooled
2 tablespoons honey
Coconut oil Cooking spray
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ripe pears (Anjou or Bosc preferred), halved and seeded (leave stem on one of the halves of each pear, if you wish)
Ingredient Substitutions
Almond Flour: The almond flour can be substituted for tiger nut or oat flour in this recipe!
Honey: The honey acts to bind the stuffing together, it can be substituted with maple syrup
How to Make the Stuffed Pears
1.Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 x 8” baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2.Make the Stuffing: In a food processor, pulse together the walnuts, pecans, almond flour, ground flaxseed, coconut, and cinnamon a few times to create a mixture with a rough, crumbly texture.
3.Add the Wet Ingredients: In a medium sized bowl, stir together the coconut oil, honey, and vanilla. Transfer the stuffing to the bowl, and mix well with a silicone spatula to combine.
4.Stuff the Pears: Lay the pear halves cut-side up in the prepared baking dish. Divide the nut topping between the pears, sprinkle with additional cinnamon, and spray once more with coconut oil.
5.Bake the Pears: Bake for 20 minutes, until the pears are tender, and the topping is golden brown and fragrant.
6.Let the Pears Cool: Let cool for five minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients can I substitute?
Both the almond flour and honey can be substituted in this recipe. Either oat or tiger nut flour can be used as a replacement for the almond flour, and maple syrup can be used in place of the honey.
How can I make these Stuffed Pears AIP Compliant?
To make the stuffed pears AIP compliant, substitute the walnuts and pecans for tiger nuts. Additionally, you will want to use tiger nut flour and remove the flaxseeds as well.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality and safety of a stuffed pear dessert. Here are the recommended refrigeration and freezing instructions:
Refrigeration Instructions:
1.Cooling: Allow the stuffed pear dessert to cool completely after baking.
Airtight Container: Place the stuffed pears in an airtight container. These are my favorite containers for storing.
Refrigerate: Store the airtight container in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C).
Consume Within: For optimal freshness, consume the stuffed pear dessert within 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Freezing Instructions:
Cooling: Allow the stuffed pear dessert to cool completely after baking.
Individually Wrap (Optional): If possible, individually wrap each stuffed pear in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn and allows you to thaw individual servings.
Freezer Bag or Container: Place the wrapped or unwrapped stuffed pears in a freezer-safe bag or container. These are my favorite freezer bags to use.
Labeling: Label the container or bag with the date of preparation for reference. These are my favorite washable labels!
Freeze: Store the stuffed pear dessert in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
Consume Within: For the best quality, consume the frozen stuffed pear dessert within 2-3 months. While it may remain safe to eat for a longer period, the texture and flavor can deteriorate over time.
Thawing and Reheating:
Thawing: If individually wrapped, thaw the stuffed pears in the refrigerator overnight. If the entire dessert is frozen, you can thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating: Reheat the stuffed pear dessert in a preheated oven or microwave until warmed through. This can help restore the texture and flavors.
Tips:
Ensure the stuffed pear dessert is completely cooled before refrigerating or freezing to prevent condensation and ice crystals.
Always check for signs of freezer burn or changes in texture before consuming frozen stuffed pear desserts.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your stuffed pear dessert while maintaining its quality and safety.
Full Recipe:
_edited.png)
Can I use hazelnuts instead of walnuts?
This sounds like such a cozy recipe to make and enjoy on a fall weekend!