Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Pastry wrapped pears (get your chef on).

I love participating in the Get Your Chef On challenges. So far I've competed in the lemon, coconut, and apple challenges; it's always fun to be challenged to use an ingredient in a new or unusual way, but what I really enjoy is seeing what everyone else comes up with. When I saw that this rounds theme was pears I had no idea what I would make. Honestly, I don't know if I had ever cooked with pears before (I don't know why - they are delicious poached, in tarts, and even in jams). I turned to Pinterest for inspiration, and I was not disappointed!


This dish was inspired by the beautiful picture in the recipe for Pera in Crusta. The only problem, is that the recipe is in Italian. With the help of Google translate, I was able to get an idea of what it said. I adjusted the recipe (the original calls for brandy, and what's the point of cooking with alcohol if you can't have a few sips while you're doing it?!), gave it a try, and was delighted with the results. This is an impressive looking recipe that is actually very easy to put together (15 minutes of prep work, tops), and can even be put together ahead of time. The only changes I will make next time are 1) add a little cinnamon to the honey and butter mixture, 2) cut the pie crust into thinner strips so that it wraps around more times, and 3) not flare the edges before putting it into the oven (I think they will flare on their own while baking). 




Pastry Wrapped Pears
Makes 2

 Ingredients

2 pears
1 pre-made pie crust
2 tbs honey
2 tbs butter
1 tbs powdered sugar (optional)

 Instructions

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees f. Peel and core the pears (I'm sure there are fabulous tools out the for coring pears. I don't own one. I used a skewer, and the handle of a fork to get the job done).

 2) Melt the butter and honey together. Spoon about one third of the mixture into the core of the pear, then brush the outside of the pear with the mixture.

 3) Cut the pie crust into strips. Beginning at the top, wrap a strip around the pear. There should be about a half strip overlap each time around, and leave the top edge loose (see picture). Add another strip when needed. Repeat on the second pear.

4) Brush and drizzle the pastry dough with the remaining butter and honey mixture.      

5) Bake for 40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Allow to cool approximately 10 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.




  White Lights on Wednesdays



 



Update: This recipe was featured by Nichi at The Mandatory Mooch!
  Pin It I link up to these parties.

18 comments:

  1. Beautiful presentation!! I'll have the main course and you bring dessert!!

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  2. That did turn out beautifully! Looks wonderful! :) Claire

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  3. Wow, these look so yummy and beautiful!

    Good luck!

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  4. What a great dessert. Your photo is beautiful and I'm sure it tastes delicious. I've pinned this.

    Thanks for stopping by. I've added you on google+.
    Joanne/Winelady Cooks

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  5. How fun is this? No really-- this is GREAT! WOW! Those photos are crazy good too- nice work girl! I will be over soon!

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  6. Wow! Your pears look almost too pretty to eat! I'm pinning this one fo sho! Thanks for sharing!

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  7. These look amazing! I would never have thought to wrap the puff pastry in a spiral like that!

    I'm your newest follower via GFC. Please come visit me over at My Sesame Seed Buns sometime!

    Good Luck!

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  8. Your recipe looks fabulous - love the presentation!

    I host Inspire Me Monday and Friendship Friday. Please share your creativity with us and let us get to know you better!

    Create With Joy
    http://create-with-joy.com

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  9. Oh, that looks so delicious! I bet it is really tasty. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  10. These are so pretty and they look delicious. I have a link party called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop and would love to have you share this and any other posts with everyone. It runs from Tuesday night through midnight Sunday. Here is the link to the party.
    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2013/01/wednesdays-adorned-from-above-blog-hop_22.html
    Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above

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  11. These are just gorgeous! Sharing on Facebook today :)

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  12. This is gorgeous and looks delicious! I have a new Pinterest Power party and would love to have you share this and any other posts you have!

    http://www.thetaylor-house.com/2013/01/24/pinterest-power-party-3.html

    Thanks!
    Chrissy

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  13. Monica, these are terrific. My family would love them. Thanks for linking up to Tasty Thursdays at The Mandatory Mooch. This post will be featured this week. The party will be live tonight. Thanks, Nichi

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  14. Featuring this post on my FB page today too!! Have a great weekend!! Nichi https://www.facebook.com/TheMandatoryMooch

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