Glazed Pears with Hazelnuts

SERVES: 6

COOK TIME: 4 Hr

Port is a sweet fortified wine that's traditionally served with dessert or after a meal. Because of its high alcohol content, it's usually sold in liquor stores. It's optional in this recipe, but if you have it on hand, use it to enhance the flavor of these buttery-glazed pears. And make sure you use firm, ripe pears.

What You'll Need

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts, toasted
2 tablespoons golden raisins
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 Bosc pears, peeled, cored, and halved (see note)
3 tablespoons ruby port (optional) (see note)
Vanilla ice cream
Caramel topping

What to Do

Combine first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring until well combined. Spoon butter mixture evenly into each cored pear half. Place pears in a 5-quart slow cooker. Pour port over pears, if desired.
Cover and cook on LOW setting 4 hours or until pears are tender but still hold their shape. Serve warm with ice cream and caramel topping.