Honey-Pear-Ginger Sauce

Makes about 3 1/2 cups / Be prepared to give out the recipe! Sweet, sharp ginger, used in its crystallized form, adds crunch and flavor. Serving tips: The perfect topping for frozen yogurt, whole-grain pancakes, waffles, and French toast, or a yogurt and granola parfait.

Ingredients:

4 firm-ripe pears, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
2-3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons almond oil or canola oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground allspice
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4-1/3 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted

Directions:

1. Combine pears and lemon juice in a mixing bowl and toss to combine.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pears and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 3–5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add cinnamon and allspice and toss to combine. Add honey and cook, stirring occasionally, until pears are soft and juices are syrupy, 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, ginger, and pecans. Serve immediately.

PER SERVING (1/2 cup): 170 cal, 39% fat cal, 8g fat, 1g sat fat, 0mg chol, 1g protein, 27g carb, 4g fiber, 4mg sodium