Lemon Vanilla Pear-Sauce No Sugar Added

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MOVE over applesauce, we’ve got a new sauce in town! This is a fabulous change up from our traditional apple sauce and the two extra flavors added really make it unique.

Different types of apple sauce

Pears are fruits and fruits are NOT bad. I’m just writing that for anyone who is concerned that pears are “too high in sugar.” They have naturally occurring sugar/carbohydrate in them – that’s what makes them sweet. But no one is injecting them with syringes full of table sugar. Maybe in a recipe but certainly not at the store. To tell someone that fruit has too much sugar only creates fear around a perfectly nutritious food option.

lemon vanilla pear-sauce with cinnamon sprinkled on top

Fruit and blood sugar

Now, before someone gets at me for those who have to monitor their blood sugar, you can STILL have fruit. However, it is helpful (for everyone) to pair a fruit with a protein or fat. This gives the body more nutrients to break down, thus slowing the absorption of the carbohydrate and creating less of a spike in blood sugar. Think of it in terms of legos. If I eat the pear sauce, I’m eating one food group or say yellow lego bricks. The body sees all yellow and breaks it down quickly for energy but this also raises blood sugar. Eat the pear sauce over some cottage cheese (protein AND fat) and now you’ve given your body three colors of legos to break down more slowly.

Does this mean you’re doing something wrong if you only eat a piece of fruit? No. There are plenty of times that I’ve had fruit and been satisfied. This is something to consider experimenting with on your own.

Not to mention foods are often more satisfying and filling with multiple food groups. Questions? Comment below because I know you’re more so here for the recipe!

spoonful of pear sauce over White bowl with pear sauce

Pear Sauce Without Added Sugar

Move over applesauce, this simple Pear Sauce without added sugar is the perfect fruit dish to pair with any meal or snack. It can be served warm or cold and kids and adults alike will love it. It can even be served to babies eating solids as it does not have any added sugar.
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Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pear sauce
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Slowcooker time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 5 cups
Calories: 167kcal
Author: Jessi Holden, MS, RDN

Ingredients

  • 8 pears leave the skins on for extra fiber
  • ½ lemon
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  • Peel the pears (if desired) and slice around the core. They do not need to be neat chunks as it'll all soften and get pureed anyways.
  • Squeeze out the juice from 1/2 a lemon and add zest if desired.
  • Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and set on high for 2-3 hours or low for 3-4. If cooking on the stove top, it'll take 20-30 minutes.
  • Optional: Add a 1/2-1 tsp of ground cinnamon either mixed in or sprinkle on your individual servings.

Notes

Did you make this recipe? Send me a photo or better yet, leave a review or give it a rating! You can always tag me on Instagram @the.kitchen.invitation

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 346mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @The.Kitchen.Invitation or tag #TheKitchenInvitation!

If I were going to create some pairings with this for the reasons mentioned above, I would definitely enjoy this with some plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. It would also be great in baked goods, served on the side with a meal, dipped into with graham crackers, or even served over some vanilla bean ice cream.

How are you getting fruit in during the winter? This is a super delicious and easy way AND it makes your home smell great.

2 thoughts on “Lemon Vanilla Pear-Sauce No Sugar Added

  1. Pingback: 55 Best Pear Recipes for Dinner and Dessert – Tricks and Tips – Tricks and Tips

  2. Pingback: 55 Best Pear Recipes for Dinner and Dessert – Tricks and Tips

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