Dark chocolate dipped pears

Ingredients

• 2 pears (Bartlett, Red Anjou)
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) water
• 240 g  dark chocolate (60 to 70% cacao), chopped

Instructions

1. Halve, core and stem the pears and cut each one into 8 wedges. Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Combine lemon juice and water; toss with pear wedges and let soak for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove wedges and allow to dry or pat to dry.
2. Place chocolate in small microwaveable bowl. Microwave on 30% power for 30 seconds, stir and repeat. Microwave the chocolate in 3 x 30 seconds intervals, stirring between each. When the chocolate is mostly melted and only a few tiny pieces remain stop microwaving and set aside at room temperature for the last few pieces to melt.
3. Arrange pears on the prepared baking sheet. Immediately begin dipping the wide ends of the pears in the chocolate, coating about half the length. Allow the excess chocolate to drip back into bowl and place the dipped pears on the wax paper. If adding optional garnishes (see Tip), working quickly before the chocolate dries, sprinkle with your choice of optional garnishes if desired. Refrigerate, uncovered until the chocolate is set, about 1 hour.
4. Once set, cover loosely with plastic wrap and keep the pears in the refrigerator or until served. Enjoy them within the day.

Tip: To dress up this treat, try sprinkling with finely chopped pistachios or other nuts, shredded coconut or sesame seeds.

 

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