SWEETS FOR YOUR SWEETIE

If food is their love language, whip up one of these delectable desserts - created by wife and mom Jessica Seinfeld - as a Valentine's Day surprise

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CARAMELIZED PEARS WITH CIDER AND HAZELNUTS

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 4 firm but ripe pears, such as Bosc

• 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter or vegan butter

• 1 cup apple cider

• 1/4 cup golden raisins

• 1/8 tsp finely grated nutmeg

• pinch of kosher salt

• 1/4 cup roasted whole hazelnuts, skins removed, chopped

1. Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400° F.

2. Peel the pears and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the cores.

3. Place a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add 1 tbsp of the butter and swirl the skillet to coat the bottom. Place the pears, cut side down, in the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the undersides are golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the pears are tender and can be easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife.

4. Transfer the pears to a large serving dish or bowls, cut side up.

5. Add the apple cider, raisins and nutmeg to the skillet and return it to medium-high heat. Let simmer rapidly for 4 to 6 minutes, until the apple cider reduces to about 1/4 cup (the bubbles will get bigger as it reduces). Add the remaining butter and the salt and swirl the skillet until the butter melts. Remove from the heat.

6. Pour the glaze over the pears and sprinkle with the chopped hazelnuts.

CRISPY PEANUT BUTTER BARS

Makes 16

INGREDIENTS

• non-stick vegetable oil cooking spray

• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

• 2 tbsp date syrup

• 2 to 3 brown rice cakes

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (vegan, if desired)

• 1 tsp coconut oil