Pears A La Creme
Pears à la Crème combines tender pear halves with warm spiced caramel sauce, served atop scoops of vanilla ice cream for a delightful, elegant dessert perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- About 2 hours before serving, place butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a skillet and set aside.
- Drain the pear halves and arrange them on top of the butter mixture in the skillet.
- Set the pears aside while preparing the ice cream.
- Scoop out 6 to 8 servings of vanilla ice cream into individual bowls and return to the freezer until 10 minutes before serving.
- Simmer the pear halves in the butter mixture in the skillet for 10 minutes, turning them occasionally.
- Place a hot pear half on top of each serving of ice cream.
- Spoon the warm glaze over the top of each pear and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of regular butter. You can substitute the vanilla ice cream with a caramel or cinnamon flavor for an interesting twist. If you're short on time, canned pears can be replaced with fresh pears; just poach them in the butter and spices until tender. This dessert pairs beautifully with Grandma Mills' Sour Cream Raisin Pie, offering a delightful balance of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the warm pear halves over the cold ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures. Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor and texture. This dessert pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it a perfect end to a meal. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Kathleen'S Lime And Cheese Jello.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the pears and ice cream in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the pears gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, and serve immediately with the chilled ice cream. Avoid reheating the ice cream, as it will lose its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pears A La Creme contains roughly 816 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pears instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pears! Peel and slice them, then poach them in the butter and spice mixture until tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes. This method adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil or a vegan butter spread. For the ice cream, use a plant-based ice cream made from almond, coconut, or cashew milk to keep the recipe dairy-free.
How can I make this dish more festive?
For a festive touch, consider adding a splash of brandy or rum to the butter mixture while simmering the pears. You can also garnish the dish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds to enhance its visual appeal and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).