Steamed Pears with Caramel Sauce

4        firm pears, peeled, cored and quartered

⅓        cup granulated sugar, plus 4 teaspoons, divided

1        tablespoon water

2        tablespoons heavy cream

2        tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

4        teaspoons ground cinnamon

4        tablespoons toasted pecans, roughly chopped

          Whipped cream, for serving

Nutritional information per serving (¹/₂ pear)

Calories 155 (36% from fat) / carb. 25g / pro. 1g / fat 6g / sat. fat 3g /
chol. 13mg / sod. 1mg / calc. 10mg / fiber 3g

Put the pears onto the tray inside the steamer. Secure lid.

Select Manual, set timer for 14 minutes and press Start.

While pears are steaming, make the caramel sauce: Put ⅓ cup of the sugar and water into a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Heat, without stirring, until all of the sugar is melted and develops a golden brown color. CAUTION: Do not touch the melted sugar; it is extremely hot. Remove from heat and, while whisking constantly, add heavy cream and butter. Reserve.

Combine the cinnamon and remaining sugar in a small bowl
to make a cinnamon sugar. Reserve.

Once timer expires, remove lid and let pears cool for 1 minute. Sprinkle each quarter with ½ teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar and drizzle with the caramel sauce. Serve with chopped pecans and a dollop of whipped cream.