Miniature Forelle pears are poached in spiced syrup made of candied ginger and various other spices. Once softened, the pears are covered with chocolate sauce.
I prepared the pears a day in advance and the chocolate sauce was made at the very last minute. It took me probably 5 minutes tops. Everyone was pleased, the cook included! The small size of this dessert makes it a perfect finish to a heavy meal.
1. Info for Poached Pears in Chocolate Sauce
- Cook Time: unavailable
- Total Time: unavailable
- Servings: 8
- Calories: unavailable
2. Ingredients for Poached Pears in Chocolate Sauce
- 8 Forelle pears, ripe
- 1 lemon, zested and freshly squeezed
- 1 cup pear nectar
- 1-¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cinnamon stick, crushed
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
- 6 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 8 small mint leaves, for garnish
3. Directions:
- For the ginger: Peel the ginger root with a paring knife or the edge of a spoon. Thinly slice it, then cut into long matchsticks.
- Peel and delicately core the pear, leaving the fruit whole. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent oxidation.
- In a non-reactive saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the whole pears with its juice. Toss well. Add 1-½ cups sugar and toss until the pears are nicely coated. Add the pear nectar, 1 cup water, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes. The pears should be very tender but still whole. Transfer the pears into individual serving plates, leaving as much liquid in the saucepan. Note: You can use the leftover (strained) syrup to enjoy as a drink by adding seltzer water and ice.
- In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup sugar, ground cinnamon, light corn syrup, cream and 1 tablespoon butter. Stir, then bring to a near boil. Add the chocolate chips. Remove from the heat. Add vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the pear until it’s complete covered. Finish by covering the bottom of the plate.
- You could serve the pears with a large scoop of ice cream or simply garnish with a few fresh mint leaves. Serve warm with a grapefruit spoon (with serrated edges for easier grip).
- Bon appétit!
