Roasted Pear Chutney

Roasted Pear Chutney                 Nancy Harrison

Yield: Makes 2 to 3 cups

Ingredients

·         2 ripe Bosc pears, peeled and cut in half

·         2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

·         1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

·         3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

·         1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

·         2 tablespoons vegetable oil

·         1/4 cup pure maple syrup

·         1 small red onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices

·         1 garlic clove, chopped

·         1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

·         3 tablespoons currants

·         3 tablespoons golden raisins

·         1/2 cup white wine vinegar

·         1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes

·         1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

·         1 cup diced mango (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Toss the pears with the lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of the sugar, the cinnamon, and cloves. Coat a sheet pan with half the vegetable oil. Set the pears cut side down on the pan. Brush the pears with the remaining oil. Roast until caramelized and tender, 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the degree of ripeness. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

3. While the pears are roasting, bring the remaining ingredients to a boil in a nonreactive saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

4. Using a small spoon or a melon baller, scoop out the cores of the cooked pears. Cut the pears into 1/2-inch slices.

5. Combine the pears and the onion mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 day before serving.