Swiss Pear

Swiss Pear Dessert Recipe - Indulge in the Unique Flavors of Swiss Cuisine

Region / culture: Switzerland | Servings: 4

Introduction

Swiss Pear is a delightful and decadent dessert that combines the sweetness of pears with the richness of chocolate and whipped cream. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a stunning and delicious dessert.

History

The Swiss Pear dessert has its origins in Switzerland, where pears are a popular fruit and chocolate is a beloved ingredient. This recipe combines these two ingredients in a unique and delicious way, creating a dessert that is both elegant and indulgent.

Ingredients

1 cup of well chilled whipping cream
2 tbsp of sugar
1 (29 oz (822 g)) can of pears in heavy syrup, drained, with 2.5 oz (71 g) of syrup reserved
4 oz (113 g) of German cooking chocolate

How to prepare

Whip the cream until it becomes thick, then add the sugar and continue to whip until it becomes thick.
Drain the pears well.
Melt the chocolate with the reserved syrup.
Place the pears in a large bowl, preferably a glass bowl for a nice presentation.
Cover the pears with the whipped cream.
Allow the chocolate mixture to cool, then carefully pour or spoon it over the whipped cream.
Chill the dish well.

Variations

Try using different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the whipping cream well before whipping it to ensure that it becomes thick and fluffy.

- Drain the pears well to prevent the dessert from becoming too watery.

- Use a glass bowl for serving to showcase the layers of whipped cream, pears, and chocolate.

- Chill the dessert well before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Swiss Pear chilled as a refreshing and indulgent dessert after a meal. Pair it with a glass of dessert wine or coffee for a perfect ending to a special meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Swiss Pear include whipping cream to a thick consistency, melting chocolate with syrup, and layering the ingredients in a glass bowl for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have German cooking chocolate, you can use any type of chocolate that you prefer. You can also use fresh whipped cream instead of store-bought whipping cream.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Swiss Pear dessert ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This dessert is best served chilled, so making it ahead of time is a great time-saving option.

Presentation Ideas

For a stunning presentation, layer the whipped cream, pears, and chocolate in a glass trifle dish or individual serving glasses. Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Swiss Pear pairs well with a variety of dessert wines, such as Moscato or Riesling. It also pairs nicely with a cup of coffee or espresso for a rich and satisfying dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Swiss Pear dessert in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, allow the dessert to come to room temperature or enjoy it chilled straight from the refrigerator.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Swiss Pear contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Swiss Pear contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Swiss Pear contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Swiss Pear contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Swiss Pear is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber from the pears.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (whipping cream) and may contain traces of nuts from the chocolate. Please check for allergens before serving to guests.

Summary

Swiss Pear is a decadent dessert that is high in fats and carbohydrates but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals from the pears.

Summary

Swiss Pear is a decadent and elegant dessert that combines the sweetness of pears with the richness of chocolate and whipped cream. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a stunning and delicious dessert. Enjoy this indulgent treat chilled for a refreshing and satisfying end to a meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a sunny day in the small village of Lucerne, Switzerland, where I was visiting a dear friend of mine who had just returned from a trip to the Alps. She had brought back a bag of the juiciest, sweetest pears I had ever seen and insisted on making a dessert that she learned from a local chef during her stay.

As I watched her peel and slice the pears, I could already smell the cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the air. The aroma was intoxicating, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself. My friend graciously shared the recipe with me, and from that day on, Swiss Pear became a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made this dessert countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that sunny day in Lucerne, surrounded by the picturesque Swiss Alps and the sound of cowbells in the distance.

The key to making a perfect Swiss Pear lies in the quality of the ingredients. You must use the ripest, juiciest pears you can find, preferably straight from the orchard. The cinnamon and nutmeg should be freshly ground for the best flavor, and a splash of rum adds a warm, boozy kick to the dish.

To begin, I peel and core the pears, careful not to bruise their delicate flesh. I then slice them into thin wedges, arranging them in a baking dish with a sprinkle of sugar and a generous dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg. A splash of rum is added for a touch of sophistication, and the dish is baked until the pears are tender and the spices have melded together into a fragrant, irresistible aroma.

The finished Swiss Pear is a thing of beauty, with the pears glistening in their own juices and the spices creating a warm, inviting flavor. I like to serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, adding a cool contrast to the warm, spiced pears.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Swiss Pear, I can't help but feel grateful for the friends and experiences that have brought this recipe into my life. From the Alps of Switzerland to my own kitchen, this dish has traveled far and wide, bringing joy and comfort to all who taste it.

I hope that you, too, will try your hand at making Swiss Pear and discover the magic of this simple yet elegant dessert. It's a recipe that has stood the test of time, passed down through generations of cooks and food lovers. And who knows? Perhaps one day, you'll find yourself in a small village in Switzerland, surrounded by the beauty of the Alps and the delicious aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, just like I did all those years ago.