This deliciously sweet pears Hélène is so simple to make combining juicy pears, cooling ice cream and rich chocolate sauce to a make a quick, tasty dessert
There is something special about pears with ice cream and chocolate sauce – they are three ingredients that go very well together. This dessert is so quick and easy to make and will soon become a firm favourite. The pears can be served warm or chilled but the chocolate sauce should be served hot as this makes the dessert extra delicious. You could also try this recipe using apple instead.
Ingredients
75g caster sugar
1 vanilla pod
4 pears, peeled, cored and halved
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
For the chocolate sauce
225g plain chocolate, broken into pieces
250ml water
1 tbsp brandy – optional
90g unsalted butter, cut into pieces
WEIGHT CONVERTER
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Method
Put the sugar, vanilla pod and pear halves into a large saucepan and pour in sufficient water to cover.
Bring to the boil then cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 10- 20 minutes or until the pears are tender.
Remove the pan from the heat and leave the pears to cool in the syrup.
Meanwhile make the chocolate sauce – place the chocolate, water and brandy ( if used) in a saucepan and heat on a low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
Remove the pan from the heat and gradually stir in the butter until it is melted and the sauce is glossy.
Divide the pears between 4 serving dishes, add a scoop of ice cream and pour on the hot chocolate sauce.
Top Tip for making Pears Hélène
To make an even quicker dessert use tinned pears instead of fresh so there’s no need to cook them, or simply slice a couple of bananas to make a banana split. Add a crunchy topping of flaked toasted almonds or chopped pecan nuts.
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