Pears in a shirt

Pears in Pastry – A Sweet and Elegant Delight

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

I present to you a special recipe that transforms pears into irresistible sweets, wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. Pears in pastry are the ideal dessert for special occasions or simply to indulge your family and friends. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also offers a fantastic opportunity to play with flavors and textures.

The origin of this dessert is shrouded in mystery, but it is known that wrapping fruits in dough has been practiced over time in many cultures, to preserve them and add a touch of elegance. Now, let’s get to work!

Ingredients

- 4 medium pears (choose ripe but firm pears, such as Williams or Conference)
- 100 g sugar (brown sugar is ideal for a deeper flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons cinnamon (to taste)
- 4-5 cloves (optional, for an exotic aroma)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (to prevent the pears from oxidizing)
- 250 g flour (preferably white flour type 000)
- 150 ml oil (sunflower oil is an excellent choice, but canola oil works too)
- 100 g powdered sugar (to sweeten the dough)
- 4 tablespoons mandarin liqueur (or another preferred liqueur, such as orange)
- 1 beaten egg (for brushing)

Preparation

1. Preparing the pears: Start by peeling the pears. Place them in a pot of water and add sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Boil for 10 minutes over medium heat. This step will help the pears become soft and aromatic. Once boiled, remove the pears from the water and let them drain and cool. Make sure to let them cool completely, otherwise the dough will melt.

2. Preparing the pastry: In a large bowl, sift the flour to eliminate any lumps. Add the powdered sugar, oil, lemon juice, and mandarin liqueur. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This resting period will make the dough easier to handle.

3. Forming the pastry: After the dough has rested, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough into a thin sheet. I suggest using a damp rolling pin to avoid sticking. Cut the dough into squares of suitable size to wrap each pear.

4. Wrapping the pears: Take each pear and place it on a square of dough. Carefully wrap the pears, using your hands to seal the edges. If you like, you can create small leaves from the leftover dough to place on top, adding an artistic touch.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the wrapped pears on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the surface of each pear with beaten egg to achieve a beautifully golden crust. Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden and crispy.

6. Serving: After removing them from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before placing them on plates. Pears in pastry are delicious served warm alongside a portion of fine custard or vanilla ice cream.

Useful Tips

- Choosing the pears: Make sure the pears are ripe but firm. Overripe pears will crumble during boiling.
- Flavor variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding vanilla or nutmeg to the dough.
- Oven care: Check the pears periodically during baking; oven temperatures can vary, and some may need more or less time.
- Creative serving: Pair the pears with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Each serving of pears in pastry has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Pears are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them not only delicious but also healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can replace pears with apples or peaches, but the boiling time may vary.
- How can I store the dessert? These pears in pastry can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
- Can they be frozen? It is recommended to consume them fresh, but you can freeze unripe pears, preferably before baking.

Discover the joy of cooking and savor every bite! Pears in pastry are a dessert that blends tradition with innovation, offering you an unforgettable culinary experience. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones!