Fall Fruit Cobbler minus the Cobbler

In dessert eating, I believe their are 2 groups of people: The rich dessert people and the fruit dessert people.

I happen to fall in the rich dessert category of dessert eating: red velvet cake, cupcakes, pumpkin pie, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, chocolate mousse, etc. I also happen to be one of those people who cannot end a meal without something sweet (even if it's just a bite of dark chocolate).

My Mom however is a fruit person: fruit cobblers, fruit tarts, and fruit pies. When I became gluten-free, she immediately began to research how to create gluten-free dessert options. Even though it was incredibly nice of her, I wasn't necessarily jumping for joy. I wasn't missing Cobbler. I wanted Sweet Mandy B cupcakes. Disregarding my craving, I bit my tongue and watched her work. When I tasted the sweet tender bite of caramelized apple on melting vanilla ice cream, it turned out I wasn't missing a thing. Thanks Mom.

Fall Fruit Cobbler minus the Cobbler

1 Apple, cored and sliced (honeycrips are great)
2 Pears, cored and sliced
Handful of Cranberries (optional)
2 tbsp Sugar
2 tbsp Butter
2 tsp Vanilla
1/2 Lemon (juiced and zested)
Splash of Amaretto (optional)

1. On medium heat, add sugar and butter to a stainless steel saute pan. Continually stir until the sugar has caramelized and turned a nice golden brown (watch closely to avoid burning). About 4-6 minutes.
2. Add in the apple, pears and vanilla and stir with sugar/butter mixture for 3-5 minutes to coat all sides.

3. Add in the cranberries, lemon and zest and continue to stir until fruit has softened and caramelized. About 4-5 minutes (reduce heat if things get too hot).
4. Add the splash of Amaretto (alcohol is flammable, so be careful), cook and stir until fruit is fully caramelized (not burnt or too mushy). About 1 minute.
5. Let cool a bit, then serve with Haagen Dazs Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (or whatever ice cream you like).

*Since this recipe was completely made up, I unfortunately do not have exact times for each step, but I do know that this took about 15-20 minutes to complete. Biggest tip is to watch and stir until golden brown and avoid burning!