Floating Island

Floating Island: Caramelized Pear Dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

The Floating Island is a classic dessert with a fluffy texture and divine flavor that will surely impress anyone who tastes it. This simple recipe combines the delicacy of meringue with a fine cream, and the caramelized pears add a touch of freshness and a pleasant contrast. Here’s how to prepare it step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Ingredients:

- 6 egg yolks
- 2 cups of sugar
- 500 ml of milk
- 50 g of flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 6 egg whites
- 4 ripe pears
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Make sure all products are at room temperature for better emulsification. Separate the yolks from the whites and keep them in separate bowls.

2. In a large bowl, beat the 2 cups of sugar with the 6 egg yolks using an electric mixer. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy, about 5 minutes. This is a crucial step, as the incorporated air will help achieve a light texture.

3. Add half of the milk and the flour, continuing to mix. Make sure there are no lumps. Integrating the flour is essential for achieving a fine cream, so you can use a spatula if necessary.

4. In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk (250 ml) and add the mixture from the previous bowl. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens. This will take about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir continuously to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.

5. While the cream cools, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup of sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue.

6. Take a baking dish (a 1.5-2L ovenproof dish is ideal) and lightly grease it with butter. Pour the previously obtained cream into the dish, then spoon the meringue on top, being careful to form "islands" on the surface of the cream.

7. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the meringue is golden and fluffy.

8. While the dessert is in the oven, prepare the caramelized pears. Peel the pears and slice them. In a pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the pears. Sprinkle over them a tablespoon of brown sugar and cinnamon, if desired. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the pears turn golden and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

9. Once the dessert is ready, let it cool slightly before serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, adding the caramelized pears on top for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Serving suggestion: Add a few fresh mint leaves on top for an elegant look and an extra burst of flavor.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different caramelized fruits, such as peaches or apples. You can also replace the brown sugar with honey for a more natural taste.

This Floating Island with Caramelized Pears is not just a quick dessert, but also a culinary masterpiece that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and relish the compliments from those who taste it!