Pears with strawberry sauce is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the natural sweetness of pears with a tangy strawberry sauce. This recipe provides a simple and enjoyable way to create a satisfying and flavorful treat. The pears are baked in a mixture of water, orange juice, low-fat spread or butter, and a cinnamon stick until tender and infused with citrus and warm spice flavors. Meanwhile, the strawberry sauce is made by combining the pan juices with strawberries and bringing them to a boil. A mixture of water, sugar, cornflour, and lemon juice is added to thicken the sauce, creating a luscious and tangy glaze. The baked pears are then placed in dessert dishes and drizzled with the strawberry sauce. Serve this delightful dessert either on its own or with a dollop of double cream for added richness.
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 dessert pears
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 teaspoons low-fat spread or butter, melted
- 5cm/2in cinnamon stick, broken in half
- 225g/8oz strawberries
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornflour
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4.
- Peel the skin off the pears, leaving them whole with the stems attached. Arrange them on their sides in a shallow 1.2-litre/2pt casserole dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together 50ml/2fl oz water, freshly squeezed orange juice, and the low-fat spread or butter. Pour the mixture over the pears. Add the broken cinnamon stick to the dish.
- Bake the pears in the oven for 20–30 minutes, or until they are tender, basting them with the pan juices from time to time. Using a slotted spoon, transfer each pear to a dessert dish, reserving the pan juices.
- In a small saucepan, combine the reserved pan juices with the strawberries and bring the mixture to a boil.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon water, granulated sugar, cornflour, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar and cornflour. Add it to the saucepan, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the strawberry sauce over the pears.
- Serve the pears with strawberry sauce immediately, either on their own or with a dollop of double cream for added richness.
YIELD: Serves 4
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- When peeling the pears, leave the stems attached to enhance their presentation.
- Baste the pears with the pan juices while baking to ensure they are evenly coated and infused with flavors.
- Stir the cornflour mixture constantly while adding it to the saucepan to prevent lumps from forming.
- Serve the pears with strawberry sauce immediately after pouring the sauce over them to enjoy the dish at its best.
TIPS:
- Choose ripe and flavorful pears for the best taste and texture.
- If desired, add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the strawberry sauce for extra flavor.
- Garnish the dessert with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Adjust the sweetness of the strawberry sauce by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
- Experiment with different fruits in the sauce, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a variation of flavors.
Pears with strawberry sauce is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of pears with a tangy and luscious strawberry sauce. By following this simple recipe, you can create a satisfying and flavorful treat that will please your taste buds. The pears are baked in a mixture of water, orange juice, low-fat spread or butter, and a broken cinnamon stick until they become tender and infused with citrus and warm spice flavors.
Meanwhile, the strawberry sauce is made by combining the pan juices from baking the pears with strawberries and bringing them to a boil. A mixture of water, sugar, cornflour, and lemon juice is added to thicken the sauce, creating a luscious and tangy glaze. The resulting sauce beautifully complements the baked pears, adding a burst of fruity and sweet flavors.
To serve, the baked pears are placed in individual dessert dishes and drizzled with the strawberry sauce. You can enjoy this delightful dessert on its own, savoring the natural flavors of the pears and the tanginess of the sauce. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the pears with a dollop of double cream, adding richness and creaminess to each bite.
When preparing this dessert, be sure to choose ripe and flavorful pears to enhance the overall taste and texture. Additionally, feel free to customize the sauce by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for additional flavor complexity.
In conclusion, pears with strawberry sauce is a delightful and satisfying dessert that brings together the sweetness of pears with a tangy and fruity sauce. By following the simple instructions and utilizing the provided tips, you can create a mouthwatering treat. Enjoy the tender and aromatic baked pears drizzled with the tangy strawberry sauce, either on their own or with a dollop of creamy double cream. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the delights of pears with strawberry sauce.
