Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 ripe pears, peeled and cored
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Ice cream maker (optional)
- Parfait glasses or bowls
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cut the pears into small pieces and place them in a blender or food processor. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the syrup thickens.
3. Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Add the chocolate chips and stir until they have melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold the pear puree into the whipped cream until well combined.
6. Layer the pear and cream mixture with the chocolate sauce in parfait glasses or bowls. Top with chopped almonds.
7. If using an ice cream maker, churn the mixture according to the manufacturer's instructions before layering with the chocolate sauce and almonds.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Temperature:
Room temperature
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 39g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of fruit puree instead of pear puree.
- You can use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips.
- You can use any type of nuts instead of almonds.
Variations:
- You can add a splash of pear liqueur to the pear puree for an extra kick.
- You can add a layer of crushed graham crackers or cookies between the pear and cream mixture for texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the heavy cream is very cold before whipping it.
- You can make the pear puree ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make the parfait without churning the mixture.
Storage instructions:
Store the parfait in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
The parfait is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the parfait in tall, clear glasses to show off the layers.
Garnishes:
Top the parfait with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Pairings:
Serve the parfait with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne.
Suggested side dishes:
The parfait is a dessert and does not need a side dish.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pear puree is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- If the chocolate sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash the pears thoroughly before peeling and coring them.
Food history:
Poire Belle Hélène is a classic French dessert that was created in the 19th century. It consists of poached pears, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate sauce.
Flavor profiles:
The parfait is creamy, fruity, and chocolaty.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the parfait as a dessert after a fancy dinner party.
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Region: French