Braised Pears with a Soy-Ginger Glaze

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger root
• 1/2 cup packed golden brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 firm but ripe USA pears, such as Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou, pelled, halved lengthwise, and cored
• 2 Tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar 

This delicious dish shows the pear's savory side! Pears are braised until tender in a savory sauce that offers a bit of kick with fresh ginger and cayenne. It's perfect with pork tenderloin, grilled chicken, roasted turkey, even salmon.

In a 10-inch sautee pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add soy sauce, ginger, sugar, and cayenne pepper. Stir until sugar is melted and ingredients are well combined, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Add pears, cut side down, and simmer, basting frequently, until tender when pierced with a knife, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer pears to serving dish.

Bring liquid in pan back to a slow boil and add vinegar. Simmer sauce until thick and syrupy, about 3 minutes. Pour sauce over pears and serve. 

Serves 4.