To me, part of enjoying fall is also the enjoying different foods. I love having dessert by a cozy fire. This easy-to-make dessert is a super way to end a day of raking leaves or making scarecrows.
Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce
Ingredients
• 4 pears, peeled
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 (1 ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon prepared coffee
• toasted almonds for garnish
Directions
1. Leave the stems on the peeled pears. Sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
2. In a saucepan large enough to accommodate the 4 pears standing upright, combine water and sugar. Place over medium heat, and boil until sugar is dissolved. Stir in vanilla and place the pears in the syrup. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Allow pears to cool in liquid, then drain.
3. In the top of a double boiler, combine chocolate, cream and butter. Heat, stirring, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in coffee liqueur.
4. Place pears on serving dish, dribble chocolate sauce over pears, and garnish with toasted almonds.
Donna Babylon loves sewing, decorating, and cooking. And, not necessiarly in that order. Today, cooking is on her mind.
