Warm pear halves hold small pools of melted dark chocolate under toasted flaked almonds. Maple syrup and vanilla flavor the cooking juices without hiding the fruit.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm pears
- 20 g softened butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 60 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 25 g flaked almonds
- 60 ml water
Method
- Heat the oven to 190°C. Halve pears lengthwise and remove the cores with a small spoon. Slice a thin sliver from each rounded underside if needed so the halves sit steadily.
- Arrange the eight pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish about 23 × 30 cm. Spread the butter over their cut surfaces.
- Mix maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon and brush over the pears. Pour the water around the pears, not into their hollows.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the pears are almost tender when pierced near the core. Firmer fruit may need a few extra minutes.
- Divide chopped chocolate between the hollows and scatter flaked almonds over the pears. Bake uncovered for 4–5 minutes until the chocolate softens and the almonds turn pale gold. Watch closely so the nuts do not scorch.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then serve two halves per person with a little of the warm dish juices. The pears should hold their shape with tender flesh.
- Refrigerate cooled leftovers covered within two hours for up to three days. Rewarm gently in the oven until hot, covering loosely to protect the almonds.
Choose firm ripe fruit
Pears that give slightly near the stem bake to a tender texture while keeping their shape. Very soft pears can collapse before the topping is ready.
Test before adding chocolate
The pear flesh should be almost tender before the final topping goes on. This keeps the almonds from burning while the fruit finishes.
Serve with the dish juices
A spoonful of the warm syrupy liquid adds moisture. No cream or extra sauce is needed.
FAQs
- How many servings does this make?
-
Makes 4 servings using the pan or equipment listed.
- What should I check before serving?
-
Rest for 5 minutes, then serve two halves per person with a little of the warm dish juices. The pears should hold their shape with tender flesh.
- How should I store leftovers?
-
Refrigerate cooled leftovers covered within two hours for up to three days. Rewarm gently in the oven until hot, covering loosely to protect the almonds.
