Spiced Pears with Chocolate Mascarpone
Indulge in the warm, aromatic flavors of fall with this elegant recipe for Spiced Pears with Chocolate Mascarpone. Perfectly poached in a fragrant blend of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and honey, the tender pears are infused with sweet and spiced notes that make every bite a delight. Paired with a rich, silky mascarpone cream infused with dark chocolate and a hint of powdered sugar, this dessert strikes a perfect balance between decadence and refinement. The reduced spiced syrup adds a glossy, flavorful drizzle, while a garnish of fresh mint elevates the presentation. Ideal for dinner parties or special occasions, this sophisticated yet surprisingly simple dessert will leave everyone asking for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 Pears (firm, ripe, such as Bosc or Anjou)
- 4 cups Water
- 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 Star anise
- 4 Whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Mascarpone cheese
- 2 ounces Dark chocolate (70% cocoa, finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Heavy cream
- 1 pinch Salt
- 8 leaves Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Slice a thin layer from the bottom of each pear to help them stand upright if desired.
In a medium saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Add the pears to the saucepan, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid. If needed, place a small heatproof plate on top to keep them submerged.
Simmer the pears gently for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife. Turn the pears occasionally to ensure even cooking.
While the pears cook, prepare the chocolate mascarpone. In a small heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in short intervals in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, melted chocolate, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Once the pears are tender, remove them from the poaching liquid using a slotted spoon. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Strain the poaching liquid to remove spices, and reduce it over medium heat for a few minutes if you desire a thicker syrup for drizzling.
To serve, place a pear on each plate and spoon a dollop of chocolate mascarpone alongside. Drizzle a little of the reduced spiced syrup over the pears, and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy this elegant dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
630 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.9 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.8 g | 109% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 78 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 76.4 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.3 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 60.0 g | ||
| Protein | 6.0 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 177 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 384 mg | 8% | |
*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.
