Pear Crisps

Serving Size: 1/2 ounce

Serves 4

Nutrition per serving: Calories: 61; fat: 0g (saturated: 0g); carbohydrates: 17g; protein: 1g; fiber: 3g; sugar: 11g; sodium 2mg

Just about any firm pear will do for this recipe. The pear chips will keep in an airtight container for several days. 

• 2 firm pears

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• Freshly ground black pepper
  

Adjust oven rack to upper and lower-middle positions and preheat oven to 225 degrees F. (if you have a convection setting you can use it). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.

Using a mandolin, slice pears lengthwise into 1/8 inch slices and place on prepared trays. Brush each pear slice with maple syrup and sprinkle with a smidgen of black pepper. 

Place in oven and cook until pears are dry, rotating the trays halfway through cooking, about 2 1/2 hours. The edges will curl and the pears will still be a bit chewy. Once they sit at room temperature they will crisp up almost immediately. If you’re unsure whether your crisps are done, pull one out and leave it on the counter for a couple of minutes. If it doesn’t crisp up then keep the pears in the oven a bit longer.