Baked Pears with Chocolate and Raspberry Sauce:
Ingredients:
For the Pears:
- 4 ripe but firm pears (e.g., Bartlett or Anjou)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water or apple juice
For the Chocolate Sauce:
- 100g dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
For the Raspberry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
To Serve:
- Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pears:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Halve the pears and scoop out the cores with a melon baller or spoon.
- Arrange the pear halves in a baking dish, cut side up.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Add water or apple juice to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Make the Chocolate Sauce:
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it starts to steam (do not boil).
- Remove from heat, add the chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth and glossy.
- Stir in honey or maple syrup if desired for added sweetness.
3. Make the Raspberry Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes).
- Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, if desired.
4. Assemble and Serve:
- Place a baked pear half on a serving plate.
- Drizzle with warm chocolate sauce and raspberry sauce.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a spoonful of yogurt if desired.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of color.
Enjoy this luxurious yet simple dessert! It’s perfect for dinner parties or a cozy evening treat.