Dark Chocolate & Maple Caramel Pears

Subtly sweet pears are easily elevated to dessert status with a rich, spiced chocolate coating topped by a decadent maple caramel drizzle.

Photo: Ryan Szulc

By Jessica Pollack

Serves: 12 to 14
Hands-on time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 to 14 small pears (any variety)
• 7 oz dark unsweetened chocolate (70% cocoa or greater)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch ground cayenne pepper, optional
• 3/4 cup chopped toasted unsalted walnuts or pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp arrowroot powder

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Insert skewers into pears through stem end. Set aside.
2. In a heat-proof bowl set over top of a pot of barely simmering water, add chocolate, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and, if desired, cayenne. Stir until chocolate melts. Remove from heat.
3. Holding skewers, immediately dip pears in chocolate to coat; if necessary, use a heat-proof spatula to cover completely. Shake off excess and sprinkle with walnuts. Transfer pears stem side up to a parchment-lined baking sheet and set aside at room temperature until chocolate hardens, about 20 minutes.
4. In a small saucepan, whisk maple syrup, vanilla and arrowroot. Heat on medium and cook, whisking constantly, until thick, about 5 minutes. Chill in freezer for 5 minutes, then drizzle over pears. Let cool.

Nutrients per serving (1 pear): Calories: 200, Total Fat: 6 g, Sat. Fat: 3 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5 g, Carbs: 37 g, Fiber: 7 g, Sugars: 22 g, Protein: 3 g, Sodium: 3 mg, Cholesterol: 0 m
g