Pear Helene
Indulge in the timeless elegance of Pear Hélène, a classic French dessert that pairs tender poached pears with a luscious dark chocolate sauce, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a sprinkle of toasted almonds. This recipe transforms simple ingredients like ripe pears, vanilla bean-infused syrup, and rich, velvety chocolate into a show-stopping treat. With its perfectly balanced combination of sweetness, warmth, and crunch, this dessert is as sophisticated as it is satisfying. Ideal for dinner parties or an intimate night in, Pear Hélène is quick to prepare and brings a touch of gourmet charm to your table. Whether you're a fan of poached fruit desserts or crave something chocolatey yet light, this luxurious dish is sure to impress both the eye and the palate.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 Pears (ripe but firm)
- 1 liter Water
- 200 grams Sugar
- 1 Vanilla bean (split lengthwise)
- 200 grams Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
- 100 ml Heavy cream
- 20 grams Unsalted butter
- 4 scoops Vanilla ice cream
- 30 grams Slivered almonds (toasted)
Instructions
Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Carefully core from the bottom using a melon baller or paring knife to remove the seeds.
In a large pot, combine water, sugar, and the vanilla bean. Heat over medium-high heat until the sugar has dissolved to create a simple syrup.
Reduce the heat to low and gently place the peeled pears in the syrup. Cover the pot with a lid and let the pears poach for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Once done, remove the pears and cool them to room temperature.
To make the chocolate sauce, break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming (but not boiling), then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Add the butter to the chocolate sauce and stir until fully incorporated. If the sauce cools and thickens too much, gently reheat it over a double boiler or in the microwave for a few seconds.
Place each poached pear on a plate. Drizzle warm chocolate sauce generously over the pear.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to the pear and sprinkle toasted slivered almonds over the top for crunch and flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy this elegant dessert!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
898 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.9 g | 56% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.2 g | 121% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 64 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 81 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 118.3 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.7 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 92.9 g | ||
| Protein | 8.3 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 178 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 35% | |
| Potassium | 748 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
