Want Dessert, Think Pears

USA Pears

            I am in the mood for pears.

           When you think of comfort foods fruity desserts are not necessarily thought of but I’m interested in indulging my taste buds with something new, different and non-traditional, and pears are it.

            I rediscovered my love for pears recently since I am trying to eat more healthily but remain true to who I am, a dessert loving fool. Traditionally, when you think of fruit desserts in general strawberry, cherry, apple or banana are often used but never the pear unless you associate it with a special occasion.

            I for one am looking to enjoy a variety of fruit in unique or non-traditional ways.  Pears are one of the 20 most popular fruits recognized by the Fruit and Drug Administration (FDA). The pear is an excellent source of fiber and a good source of vitamin C for only 100 calories per serving, though when you use it in a dessert the calories are elevated. But the fabulous fruit is sodium free, fat free and cholesterol free.  Over 3,000 varieties of pears are grown around the world with a handful of heirloom varieties grown known as the Northwest pears grown under the USA Pears brand in the United States.

In fact, when cooking or baking, pears can be at their finest when slightly firm, notes Hedy Goldsmith, acclaimed pastry chef at Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink in Miami. “I love eating a sweet, ripe pear out-of-hand,” she says, “but when it comes to baking, I often reach for a slightly firmer pear. The pear’s sweetness and juiciness will naturally heighten as it cooks.”

As I said in the beginning I am looking for simple but unique fruity desserts. Pears are traditionally poached or baked but I am hoping to experiment and come up with something new and different. In the meantime to acquaint myself with the fruit again and some interesting desserts and first up I found a pear with chocolate (see below) dessert in the Fresh Garden Market Cookbook by Carol E. Schneider. Talk about yummy.

Who thought eating ‘healthy’ would be so much fun. Enjoy!

Pears Au Chocolat

Pears in Chocolate

Ingredients

8 slightly under ripe pears with stems intact

3 cups of red wine

2 cinnamon sticks

8 whole cloves

1-cup sugar

piece of lemon peel

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

4 tablespoons (1/2) sweet butter or margarine

fresh or crystallized mint, or firm green leaves for garnish

Directions

Peel pears, leaving stems intact, and drop each one as peeled into cold water containing a little lemon juice to prevent discoloring.

In large enamel saucepan, heat wine, cinnamon sticks, cloves, sugar and lemon peel until sugar dissolves. Add pears and simmer, partially covered, until tender when pierced with a knife, about 30 to 40 minutes. Cool in syrup and chill overnight.

Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler and stir until mixture is smooth.

Remove pears from a syrup and dry gently with a paper towel. Trim bottoms if necessary to help them stand upright.

Dip pears in chocolate mixture and coat evenly (use a spoon if necessary).

Lift pears to drain excess chocolate and place standing on serving dish.

Garnish with mint or leaves.

                                                                        Fresh: Green Market Cookbook (1989)