Delicious Chocolate Poached Pears with a Rich Sauce

Method8 steps · about 40 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Pour all 500 ml measured water and both tablespoons whole brown cane sugar (2 tbsp) into a thick-bottomed saucepan suitable for the four pears.

   Uses 500 ml water (- ~2 cups) · 2 tbsp whole brown cane sugar for the poaching syrup

2. 2

   Step 2: Add the cinnamon stick (1) to the same sugar-water saucepan.

   Uses All assembled syrup ingredients · 1 cinnamon stick

3. 3

   Step 3: Squeeze the lemon (1), strain out seeds and pulp, and add all its strained juice to the cinnamon sugar-water saucepan.

   Uses All assembled syrup ingredients · 1 lemon

   
4. 4

   Step 4: Heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely without burning.

   Uses All syrup ingredients

5. 5

   Step 5: Choose four medium pears that are ripe but firm. Wash and peel them, leaving the stems intact and keeping each pear whole so it can stand on its base when served.

   Uses 4 pears (- medium size)

   
6. 6

   Step 6: Gently lower all four peeled pears into the prepared syrup. Simmer over medium heat for about thirty minutes, turning occasionally so they cook evenly, until tender enough to eat with a spoon but still holding their shape. Lift the cooked pears out and drain on a paper-lined plate; discard the cinnamon stick and leave the remaining syrup separate.

   Poach medium pears until tender but intact · 30 minUses All prepared syrup in the saucepan · All prepared pears

7. 7

   Step 7: While the pears cook, chop all 100 g dark chocolate and put it with all 100 ml milk in a heatproof bowl. Set over a pot of gently simmering water without letting the bowl touch the water, then stir until the chocolate sauce is smooth and glossy.

   Uses 100 g dark chocolate (- 3.5 oz) · 100 ml milk (- ~½ cup) · Water for the lower double-boiler pan, as needed

   
8. 8

   Step 8: Place one cooked drained pear on each of four dessert plates. Spoon the warm prepared chocolate sauce over them. If wanted, cut the optional candied orange peel into small cubes and add as garnish. Serve immediately.

   Uses All four cooked drained pears; unused poaching syrup is not served · All prepared chocolate sauce · Candied orange peel, cut into small cubes for optional garnish