Butter-Baked Pears With Fruit And Nut Stuffing - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 c. finely chopped dried apricots
1/4 c. finely chopped pecans
4 Tbsp. butter, divided
2 large (about 1 lb.) firm ripe pears
1/4 c. pure maple syrup

Preparation

In a small bowl, combine apricots and pecans.
Using a fork, mash in 1 tablespoon butter until combined.
Set aside.
Cut pears in half lengthwise; using a melon baler or small spoon to remove cores, leaving a 1 1/2-inch diameter hole.
Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each pear so it does not tip.
In a 9-inch square microwavable baking pan, place pears with narrow ends toward the center.
Fill each pear with apricot mixture; set aside.
In a glass measure, place maple syrup and remaining 3 tablespoons butter; microwave on High (100% power) until pears are tender, about 6 minutes, basting pears with sauce halfway through cooking time.
Let stand 10 minutes.
Serve warm with low-fat vanilla yogurt or frozen vanilla yogurt, if desired.
Yields 4 portions.