Pears With Mint Chocolate
Sweet pears topped with melting chocolate mints and garnished with grapes or walnuts, offering a delightful combination of fruity, chocolaty, and nutty flavors perfect for elegant desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- If using fresh pears, cook in water with sugar until soft to the touch; drain well.
- Drain canned pears well.
- Place pears on an ovenproof plate.
- Put one chocolate covered mint on top of each pear half.
- Broil or bake pears in oven at 375° to 400° for 10 to 15 minutes, until chocolate is melted.
- Remove from oven.
- Garnish with grapes or walnut halves.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher flavor, consider using ripe, fresh pears instead of canned ones; they can be poached in water and sugar until tender. If you don't have chocolate covered mints, crushed peppermint candies can serve as a substitute. To elevate the dish further, try adding a touch of vanilla extract to the cooking water. This recipe pairs beautifully with the Light And Flaky Danish Puff for a delightful dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pears warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. They also make a lovely addition to a cheese platter or can be served alongside a fresh Fruit Relish for a balanced dessert. Pair with a light, fruity wine for a delightful end to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, or microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be cautious not to overheat, as the chocolate may become too melty.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pears With Mint Chocolate contains roughly 867 calories, with 3g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g 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 other types of chocolate for this recipe?
Yes, you can use dark or milk chocolate instead of chocolate covered mints. Just melt the chocolate separately and drizzle it over the pears before serving. This gives you more control over the chocolate flavor and sweetness.
What can I use instead of walnuts for garnish?
If you prefer a different texture or flavor, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or sliced almonds. Both options provide a nice crunch and complement the sweetness of the pears.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pears in advance and refrigerate them after cooking. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven until warmed through. This allows the flavors to meld while saving you time during dessert preparation.
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).