Salt-Roasted Pears and Apples with Caramel Sauce

Ingredients

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  • 6 Bosc or Anjou pears, unpeeled
  
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  • 1 1/2 pounds coarse salt
  
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  • 1 cup sugar + 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice or water, (I made with orange juice)
  
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  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  
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  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover the bottom of an 8-inch ceramic or glass dish that is 4 inches deep, with a thin even layer of salt. Arrange the pears upright in the dish and cover with salt, allowing stems to stick out. Bake until tender, 60 to 75 minutes depending on the size of fruit.
2. Meanwhile, heat sugar and 2 tablespoons orange juice in a small saucepan over medium- low heat until sugar has dissolved. Cook, without stirring, until syrup comes to a simmer; cover and cook about 5 minutes.
3. Uncover, increase the heat to medium and let boil, swirling pan occasionally, until medium amber. Remove from heat, and carefully stir in butter and cream (the caramel will steam and spatter).
4. Remove pears from the salt, allowing a small amount to cling to each pear. Place each pear on a serving plate. Pour caramel sauce over top, and serve.
5. You can also cool the pears to room temperature, cut them in half, core with a melon baller and fill with any cheese of your choice. I like Gorgonzola dolce or other mild blue cheese.