Roasted Pear Salads - Cooks Illustrated

Published November 1, 2000.

High heat, butter, and sugar transform underripe pears into the centerpieces of unusual and delicious winter salads.

The Problem

Interesting fruit salads are hard to come by in winter. Even hearty winter pears are often hard and unfragrant.

The Goal

An interesting, delicious winter salad made with a commonly found pears. The roasted pears should be slightly al dente, sweet but not syrupy, and caramel-colored on both sides, paired with bitter greens and sharp cheese.

The Solution

Use either Bartlett or Anjou pears, cut into 1/3-inch pieces. Toss with butter and sugar and rost at 500 degrees for 15 minutes, turning the pears halfway through cooking. Pair with strong flavors and hearty greens.

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