Baked Pear and Walnut Tart

I cannot believe how quickly spring come and gone. Yes I know, technically it is still spring. But in my eyes June qualifies as summer and with it being just two days away, I’d say summer is here! There are so many reasons why I LOVE summer; of course, fresh produce, BBQ’s and light summer meals top the list.

Every great summer picnic needs an even more delightful dessert, don’t you think? This tart is packed with nutty walnuts, sweet dates, juicy pears, and cinnamon. It can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and it is delicious! 

Besides the fact that pears are sweet, juicy and buttery - they offer much more than a delicious flavor. Pears are actually a member of the rose family and are high in vitamin C and copper - both of which are thought of as antioxidant nutrients and protect against free radicals. Pears also promote cardiovascular and colon health (the fiber keeps you regular).

Ingredients:

1 cup of raw, unsalted walnuts

½ cup of rolled oats

1 cup of medjool dates, pitted (approximately 5 large dates)

½ teaspoon salt

2 pears, sliced thin

1 tablespoon honey

1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon of coconut oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the walnuts, oats, dates and salt in a food processor and pulse until thick, sticky dough forms.

 

Grease a 9” tart or pie pan with coconut oil and press the dough mixture evenly along the bottom of the pan and slightly up the sides.

Place the pear slices in a circular layer on top of the crust. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with cinnamon and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until pears become tender and crust is a light brown. Allow to cool for at least one hour.

Slice and serve with a dollop of yogurt or crème fraîche (optional) and enjoy!