Autumn Spiced Caramelized Pears with Vanilla Mascarpone
Delight in the flavors of autumn with these exquisite caramelized pears, skillfully combined with spiced honey and served with a luscious vanilla-infused mascarpone. This dessert not only captivates with its elegant presentation but also with a harmony of warm spices and creamy textures. While honey brings a unique sweetness to the dish, it can be substituted with sugar if preferred. The addition of toasted almonds or pistachios adds a satisfying crunch, complementing the softness of the pears.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
40 g (none)
Honey
4 tablespoons (none)
Cardamom
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Vanilla pod
1 (seeds extracted)
Pears
2 large (peeled, halved, cored)
Mascarpone
250 g (none)
Vanilla-flavored sugar
10 g (none)
Almonds or pistachios
30 g (coarsely ground, toasted)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the mascarpone mixture: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the mascarpone and vanilla-flavored sugar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the sugar to fully incorporate and enhance the mascarpone's flavor.
2
For the nuts, coarsely grind the almonds or pistachios. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
3
In a 24 cm skillet (preferably non-stick), combine the butter, honey, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, and the seeds from the vanilla pod (or bourbon vanilla sugar). Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the ingredients are fully melted and blended into a smooth sauce.
4
While the sauce is melting, peel the pears, cut them in half lengthwise, and remove the cores.
5
Carefully place the pear halves into the skillet with the spiced honey mixture. Sauté the pears for 8-10 minutes, gently turning them occasionally to ensure they are evenly coated and cooked. The pears should be tender and caramelized.
6
To serve, place a dollop of the prepared vanilla mascarpone on each plate. Position a pear half on top of the mascarpone, then drizzle with the warm, caramelized spiced honey sauce. Sprinkle the toasted nuts over the top for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Autumn Spiced Caramelized Pears with Vanilla Mascarpone.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What are the primary autumn spices used in the sauce?
The sauce features ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, and vanilla.
Can I use a substitute for honey in the sauce?
Yes, honey can be substituted with sugar if preferred.
How long does the mascarpone mixture need to be refrigerated?
It should be covered and refrigerated for at least 2 hours.
What ingredients are needed for the mascarpone cream?
You will need 250 g of mascarpone and 10 g of vanilla-flavored sugar.
How should the pears be prepared before cooking?
The pears should be peeled, cut in half lengthwise, and have the cores removed.
What type of nuts can be used for the garnish?
You can use either almonds or pistachios.
How are the nuts prepared?
The nuts should be coarsely ground and toasted in a dry skillet until golden brown.
How long should the pears sauté in the skillet?
The pears should be sautéed for 8-10 minutes until tender and caramelized.
What type of skillet is recommended for this recipe?
A non-stick skillet is preferred for this preparation.
What size skillet should be used?
A 24 cm skillet is recommended.
What is the purpose of chilling the mascarpone for two hours?
Chilling allows the sugar to fully incorporate and enhances the flavor of the mascarpone.
How is the spiced honey sauce made?
It is made by melting butter, honey, cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla seeds together over medium-low heat.
Can bourbon vanilla sugar be used instead of a vanilla pod?
Yes, seeds from a vanilla pod can be substituted with bourbon vanilla sugar.
What is the suggested amount of butter for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 40 g of butter.
How much honey is required for the recipe?
You will need 4 tablespoons of honey.
What is the recommended amount of mascarpone?
The recipe uses 250 g of mascarpone.
At what heat should the nuts be toasted?
Nuts should be toasted over medium heat in a dry skillet.
What do the toasted nuts add to the dish?
They add a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the pears.
How do I know when the nuts are properly toasted?
They are done when they are golden brown and fragrant.
How do I serve the dessert?
Place a dollop of mascarpone on a plate, top with a pear half, drizzle with sauce, and sprinkle with nuts.
Should the pears be cooked until they are soft?
Yes, they should be cooked until tender and caramelized.
Is the cardamom used ground or whole?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
How much cinnamon is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What should I do with the vanilla pod seeds?
The seeds should be extracted and added to the butter and honey mixture in the skillet.
How many pears are needed for 4 servings?
You will need 2 large pears, which will be halved to make 4 portions.
How much nut garnish is needed?
The recipe calls for 30 g of almonds or pistachios.
How often should the pears be turned in the skillet?
They should be turned occasionally to ensure they are evenly coated and cooked.
Should the caramelized sauce be served warm?
Yes, the warm caramelized spiced honey sauce should be drizzled over the pears before serving.