Pears En Croute Recipes

POACHED PEAR PUFF PASTRY

Steps:

• Prepare cartouche, also known as parchment paper lid.*
• Slice off about ¼-inch from bottom of pear to create a stable flat surface. Core pears from the bottom. Peel pears, leaving stems intact. Set aside.
• In a medium heavy-bottomed sauce pot bring combine water, sugar, honey, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla bean. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
• Gently submerge pears on their side in pot. Cover with cartouche. Simmer for about 15 minutes, flip pears halfway through cooking, until pears are tender. NOTE: Be careful not to overcook pears. Pears will continue to "cook" after simmering.*
• Remove pot from heat. Cool pears to room temperature in the poaching liquid. Transfer to airtight container and let pears soak in liquid overnight in fridge.
• In a small bowl, whisk together egg, heavy cream, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Remove chilled pears from poaching liquid. Place pears on paper-towel lined plate. Set aside. NOTE: poaching liquid can be discarded or saved for other applications.
• Unroll or unfold thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut out four squares to cover bottom of pears. Slice remaining sheet into ½-inch wide strips.
• Place pears on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush pears all over with egg wash. Encase bottom of pear with square puff pastry.
• Beginning at the bottom, wrap puff pastry strip around pear, leaving stem exposed. Repeat with remaining pears. Space pears at least 3-inch apart from each other.
• Lightly brush puff pastry exterior with egg wash. Bake for 30 minutes until puff pastry is golden brown.
• Allow to cool for 5-8 minutes. Transfer to serving plate. Garnish with drizzle of honey or dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy warm!

GORGONZOLA AND HONEY PEAR EN CROUTE SALAD

Steps:

• Thaw the pastry sheet at room temperature for 40 minutes or until it's easy to handle. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the egg and water in a small bowl with a fork.
• Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the sheet lengthwise in half. Cut each half into thirds, making a total of 6 pieces. Roll each pastry piece into a (5 x 5-inch) square. Brush the pastry squares with the egg mixture.
• Cut the pear halves in half lengthwise. Place 1 pear piece on each pastry square. Top with 1 tablespoon cheese, 2 teaspoons walnuts and 1 teaspoon honey. Fold up the ends to the center and roll up like a jelly roll. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush with the egg mixture. Cut a 1/2-inch slit in the pastry top.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastries are golden. Remove from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Cut the filled pastries diagonally into bite-size pieces.
• Toss the salad greens with the dressing in a large bowl. Arrange the salad on a serving platter and top with the pastry pieces

HOLIDAY BRIE EN CROUTE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Beat the egg and water in a small bowl with a fork.
• Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 14-inch square. Spread the preserves on the pastry to within 2 inches of the edge. Sprinkle with the cranberries and almonds. Place the cheese in the center of the pastry. Fold the pastry up over the cheese to cover. Trim the excess pastry and press to seal. Brush the seam with the egg mixture. Place seam-side down onto a baking sheet. Decorate with the pastry scraps, if desired. Brush with the egg mixture.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Let stand for 45 minutes. Serve with the crackers.

PEARS EN CROUTE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degree.
• Wash and dry pears.
• Roll out pie dough and cut dough into one inch strips.
• Wrap pears with a 1/4 inch overlap starting from bottom.
• Mix egg yolk and water and brush on wrapped pears.
• Place on cook sheet and cook for one hour at 350 degree.
• Carmel Sauce.
• In a double boiler on low heat combine carmel, condensed milk, lemon juice, and liquor until smooth.
• Best if the pears are fresh out of the oven. Add warm carmel sauce and enjoy with a little vanilla ice cream.