Pear Chocolate Sundae Recipes

PEARS WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE

Steps:

• Peel the pears, leaving the stalks intact, then take the core out from the bottom of each by using a small sharp knife or a melon baller. Flatten the bottom by slicing off a little bit so that it will sit upright when served. Put the pears into a saucepan with the zests, vanilla pod, sugar, cinnamon, white wine and 600ml water, then bring to the boil. Lower the heat and poach for about 20-25 mins until they are cooked all the way through, but are not so soft that they will fall apart. Leave to cool in the liquid. Can be made and chilled a day ahead.
• When cool, take the pears out, strain out the cinnamon, zest and vanilla pod (keep the pod, allow it to dry, then pop it into a jar of sugar to make vanilla sugar), then pour the syrup back in the pan. Boil until reduced by half to a thin syrup.
• Meanwhile, to make the sauce, melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Warm the cream, milk and butter in a heavy based pan. Stir this into the melted chocolate, set aside and keep warm. Can be made and chilled a day ahead. If the sauce cools and thickens too much, warm it again gently over a pan of simmering water or for 30 secs in a microwave. Serve the pears with plenty of syrup, chocolate sauce and good-quality vanilla ice cream.

CHOCOLATE SUNDAES WITH PEAR & CHRISTMAS PUD

Steps:

• First, make some shavings from the bar of chocolate by dragging a large knife over the surface. You only need a little - enough to top the sundaes. Set the shavings aside and break the remaining chocolate into a saucepan. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and heat gently, stirring, until the chocolate melts and you have a smooth glossy sauce.
• Crumble the cake or pudding into sundae glasses and drizzle over the alcohol or pear juice. Top with the pear quarters and ice cream. Drizzle over the chocolate sauce and top with the hazelnuts and chocolate shavings.

ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE SUNDAES

Steps:

• In a small saucepan combine the chocolate, water, and 1/4 cup sugar. Melt chocolate over low heat, stirring slowly and constantly. Stir in pear liqueur or nectar. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Peel the pears, if desired; cut into quarters.* In a large skillet melt butter. Add pear quarters; cook over medium heat about 12 minutes or until browned and tender, turning once. Add the 2 tablespoons sugar stirring gently until sugar is dissolved and pears are glazed.
• To assemble: Place scoops of ice cream in bottom of 8 individual bowls. Spoon two pear pieces and some sauce around ice cream in each bowl. Top with chocolate sauce. Makes 8 servings.
• *Note: If using large pears, use only 2 pears and cut into fourths.

CHOCOLATE - PEAR SUNDAES

Steps:

• Drain pears, reserving syrup.
• In small bowl combine fude topping, honey, and orange peel.
• Add 1 to 2 teaspoons reserved pear syrup to thin.
• Just before serving, spoon topping over pear halves in dessert dishes.

POACHED PEAR SUNDAES

Steps:

• Bring water, honey and orange peel to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Add pears. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until pears are tender but still firm, about 12 minutes. Refrigerate pears in poaching liquid until cold, about 3 hours. (Pears can be prepared 1 day ahead.)
• Slice pears. Arrange slices decoratively in 2 dishes. Top with 1 scoop vanilla ice cream. Drizzle chocolate syrup over. Garnish with whipped cream and grated chocolate.