Spiced Pears with Chocolate Mascarpone

Indulge in the warm, aromatic flavors of fall with this elegant recipe for Spiced Pears with Chocolate Mascarpone. Perfectly poached in a fragrant blend of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and honey, the tender pears are infused with sweet and spiced notes that make every bite a delight. Paired with a rich, silky mascarpone cream infused with dark chocolate and a hint of powdered sugar, this dessert strikes a perfect balance between decadence and refinement. The reduced spiced syrup adds a glossy, flavorful drizzle, while a garnish of fresh mint elevates the presentation. Ideal for dinner parties or special occasions, this sophisticated yet surprisingly simple dessert will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 Pears (firm, ripe, such as Bosc or Anjou)
• 4 cups Water
• 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 2 Star anise
• 4 Whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Mascarpone cheese
• 2 ounces Dark chocolate (70% cocoa, finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons Heavy cream
• 1 pinch Salt
• 8 leaves Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Slice a thin layer from the bottom of each pear to help them stand upright if desired.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Step 3

Add the pears to the saucepan, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid. If needed, place a small heatproof plate on top to keep them submerged.

Step 4

Simmer the pears gently for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife. Turn the pears occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 5

While the pears cook, prepare the chocolate mascarpone. In a small heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in short intervals in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 6

In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, melted chocolate, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 7

Once the pears are tender, remove them from the poaching liquid using a slotted spoon. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Step 8

Strain the poaching liquid to remove spices, and reduce it over medium heat for a few minutes if you desire a thicker syrup for drizzling.

Step 9

To serve, place a pear on each plate and spoon a dollop of chocolate mascarpone alongside. Drizzle a little of the reduced spiced syrup over the pears, and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy this elegant dessert.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2185.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2518.9

Total Fat 140.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 88.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 373.2mg	0%
Sodium 257.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 305.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.1g	0%
Total Sugars 231.3g
Protein 19.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 657.6mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 1722.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.3%

Protein: 3.1%

Carbs: 47.7%