Treat yourself to a delightful dessert with spiced pear and blueberry parcels. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pears with the burst of flavor from juicy blueberries, all wrapped up in a warm and fragrant package. The pears are gently cooked to perfection, tender and infused with the sweet-tartness of the blueberries. With a touch of muscovado sugar and a sprinkle of black pepper, these parcels offer a delightful balance of flavors. Baking them in foil ensures that the flavors meld together and the pears remain moist and tender. This dessert is simple yet impressive, perfect for a cozy evening or a special occasion. Serve these spiced pear and blueberry parcels hot for a comforting treat that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 dessert pears
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 15g/1⁄2oz low-fat spread, melted
- 150g/5oz blueberries
- 50g/2oz muscovado sugar
- Freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6.
- Peel the pears, cut them in half lengthways, and scoop out the core. To prevent browning, brush the pears with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Cut four squares of double-thickness foil, ensuring that each square is large enough to wrap a pear. Brush the foil with melted low-fat spread to prevent sticking.
- Place 2 pear halves, cut side facing upwards, on each foil square. Gather the foil around the pears to hold them level and secure.
- In a bowl, mix the blueberries and muscovado sugar together. Spoon this mixture on top of the pears, distributing it evenly among the parcels.
- Sprinkle a pinch of freshly ground black pepper over each parcel to add a hint of spice and enhance the flavors.
- Wrap the foil tightly over the pears, creating sealed parcels.
- Place the parcels in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the pears are tender and the blueberries have released their juices.
- Once baked, carefully open the foil parcels, taking caution of the hot steam.
- Serve the spiced pear and blueberry parcels hot, either on their own or with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream for a luscious and creamy accompaniment.
YIELD: Serves 4
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- When peeling the pears, be sure to remove the skin completely to achieve a smooth and tender texture.
- Use ripe but firm pears for this recipe to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Experiment with different spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg to add an extra layer of warmth and aroma to the parcels.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of muscovado sugar according to your desired level of sweetness.
- If desired, you can substitute the muscovado sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
TIPS:
- Serve the spiced pear and blueberry parcels with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as toasted almonds or walnuts, for added texture and crunch.
- Consider adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar over the parcels before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.
- For a more decadent treat, accompany the parcels with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- These parcels can be made in advance and reheated before serving. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors and aromas in spiced pear and blueberry parcels. This dessert offers a warm and comforting treat that showcases the natural sweetness of pears combined with the burst of flavor from juicy blueberries. With a touch of muscovado sugar and a sprinkle of black pepper, these parcels create a balance of sweet and tart notes that is sure to please your palate.
By wrapping the pears and blueberries in foil, the flavors meld together beautifully as they bake in the oven. The pears become tender and infused with the juices from the blueberries, creating a delightful blend of flavors.
Serve the spiced pear and blueberry parcels hot for a comforting treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on their own or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream, these parcels are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Experiment with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg to add an extra layer of warmth and aroma to the parcels. Additionally, feel free to adjust the sweetness by using honey or maple syrup instead of muscovado sugar.
These spiced pear and blueberry parcels are a versatile dessert option suitable for any time of the year. Whether enjoyed during a cozy evening at home or as a delightful ending to a dinner party, they are sure to impress your guests.
So, preheat your oven, gather the ingredients, and embark on a journey of flavors with spiced pear and blueberry parcels. Allow the enticing aroma to fill your kitchen and savor each warm and flavorful bite. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, these parcels are a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of pears and the burst of flavor from blueberries.
