Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce for Dessert
David Scott Allen · Dessert · Flans, Puddings · Provencal Recipes · TasteHelen of Troy was known for her great beauty. In Greek mythology, she was Zeus and Leda’s daughter and was said to have been the most beautiful woman in the world. She wasn’t without her issues, though. Just read up on her, and you will be glad she wasn’t your next-door neighbour. She was no saint; I’ll tell you that. Continue reading here to learn about Helen of Troy and the inspiration for this poached pear with chocolate sauce recipe.
Poires Belle Hélène
This decadent dessert is a great way to enjoy fresh pears. Not only is it easy to make, but it's a surefire way to end a meal with a great impression.
Ingredients
- 4 small pears Bartlett, Bosc, or other firm-ripe variety
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup white wine
- water
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (35%)
- 1/4 tsp unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 oz bittersweet chocolate 72% cacao, chopped
- 1 tbsp milk 1%, 2%, or whole
- vanilla ice cream
- mint leaves
Instructions
- Put the sugar, wine, and 2 cups of water in a small saucepan just big enough to fit the pears. Bring to a simmer and stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Peel the pears, then core them from the bottom; level the bottom so that they stand up well. Add the pears to the saucepan, and then add more water to make sure the pears are covered. Bring back to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until pears are easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife. The pears will tend to bob around and should be turned from time to time. When they are done, remove from the heat and allow to cook in their liquid. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- To make the chocolate sauce, place the cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chocolate and stir until the chocolate is melted and you have a smooth sauce. Add the tablespoon of milk to loosen, as it will be thick.
- To plate, drain the pears and pat them dry. Divide the chocolate sauce among four dessert plates, off-center to one side. Place the pear in the puddle of sauce, and add some ice cream on the other side. Garnish with mint, and serve. (For my mint garnish, I kept the stem and two perfect leaves, used a tiny skewer to make a hole in the pear near the stem, then inserted the mint stem.)
Notes
Variations: If you want to flavour the pears — vanilla or ginger, for example — add it to the poaching liquid. Half a vanilla bean or several slices of fresh ginger are just about perfect. If you use the ginger, omit the mint and use some crystallized ginger for a garnish — it pairs beautifully with the chocolate sauce.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
More Recipes for Pear Lovers:
Chocolate and Pear Tarts
These tarts are easy to make and a delicious finish to a fall menu. Make sure to leave enough time to prepare and rest the dough.
Check out this recipe
Rosé Poached Pears
This dessert is delicious either served warm or chilled. Once cooked the pears will keep covered in the fridge for three days.
Check out this recipe
Roasted Pears with Crème Anglaise
Serve one to two pear halves per person; adjust the proportions after deciding the serving size. In this case, I used 1/2 pear per person, but it doesn't hurt to make extra.
Check out this recipe
Stained Glass Pear Slices
These pear slices are festive and can be colourized to represent any holiday using natural food dyes such as beet juice or powder, dragon fruit powders, kale powder, matcha tea or traditional pastry dyes. (Note: the number of slices will depend on the size and quantity of your pears)
Check out this recipeFrom Nice: Full-Day 4x4 Alpine Escape with Local Food & Wine Tastings
Hop aboard a premium 4x4 Ford Raptor and venture far from the bustle of the French Riviera into the hidden mountain landscapes of Nice. This exclusive experience takes you off the beaten path to explore the soul of alpine Provence, where perched villages, wild valleys, and enduring local traditions await.
Book this ExperienceLegal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication InformationAffiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.
Previous Post
Top Biking Routes in the AlpillesRelated Provence Articles
Make this Chocolate Mousse for Dessert
November 23, 2021
There is something deliciously decadent about a chocolate dessert. So, this Chocolate Mousse fits the bill perfectly, it’s easy to make, and your guests will love the extra effort. This easy recipe was adapted from "Around My French Table" by Dorie Greenspan. Enjoy chocolate mousse as the finale for your holiday menu or any time …
Order Sweet Treats from Provence for the Holidays
November 6, 2023
For the end-of-year celebrations, what is better than giving or receiving a selection of sweet treats? Remember Provence offers different and exclusive compositions of Provençal and artisanal chocolates and sweets. Fruidoraix, a family-run company, has produced these confectioneries for over 140 years. The fabrication expertise has been passed along through four (4) generations. The French …
Clafoutis with Muscat Grapes
January 10, 2018
Clafoutis is a classic dessert in Provence. Traditionally it’s made with cherries, but it is completely acceptable to use fruit that is in season.…
Cranberry, Pistachio and White Chocolate Biscotti for the Holidays
December 16, 2016
Biscotti are not too sweet- especially for those trying to limit their consumption of sugary cookies and candies- and are really good with a cup of hot coffee or tea.…
No Comment