Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.
~ Dr. Seuss
What to do with Monday Blues:
Kick them into a corner… let them whimper.
Open every window and blast “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (link via one of my favourite blogs The Breakfast Bachelor).
Get down on your knees and scrub the floor à la Cinderella.
Wash your hands, like hygiene really matters.
Peel and poach some pears.
Make some chocolate sauce.
Talk to the Paul of your universe (he is my macchiato-and-noodle-loving, way-talented-at-dancing, kinder-than-your-Gran friend who also helped me, via long distance email, to pick the photos you see on this post tonight. I took so many photos, I drove myself batty trying to decide which ones to use.) ;-)
Have three soft luscious golden winegingercinnamon-infused chocolate-coated pear halves for your dinner.
Nothing else.
No steak. No veg. No pasta.
Keep listenin’ to “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.
- Poached pears with quick chocolate sauce
Inspired by Orangette and Nigel Slater
- Ingredients:
500ml leftover white wine (I’m still attempting to clear my post-Thanksgiving stash…)
500ml water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp vanilla essence
Juice of half a lemon
1 cinnamon stick
1 knob of ginger
4 sturdy, ripe pears (I used Bosc)
- For the chocolate sauce*:
8 squares dark chocolate (I used Whittaker’s)
1 tsp instant coffee powder
2 tbsp hot water
1/2 tsp butter
- Method to my madness:
Combine the sugar, water, wine, vanilla essence and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Throw in the ginger and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Peel and halve the pears, and remove the cores with a sharp knife and teaspoon. Place the pear halves in the simmering syrup and allow to cook for around 20-30 minutes, or until tender. They should be golden and bordering on translucent.
- When you are satisfied with how the pears look and feel, remove the saucepan from the heat and leave to cool (or not, if you are hungry).
- Pour the coffee powder, hot water and chocolate squares into a microwave-proof jug or container and microwave for approximately 20 seconds. Take it out and give it a stir, and microwave for a few more seconds if needed (do it in bursts of a few seconds, so nothing burns!). Once the chocolate has all melted, stir in the butter. You should now have a glossy, velvety sauce.
- Drain and plate the pears, drizzle the warm chocolate sauce* over it all, and tuck in.
- Yields 3-4 servings.
- * I made just enough sauce for three pear halves, for that is all I ate tonight – adjust quantities of ingredients to make as much sauce as you need/like.
treehousekitchen 
Yummm…pears and chocolate. Made for each other. One of my favourite pairings! My no-fail crepe filling as well. :-)
Yes agreed! Although I don’t know if I have tried them on crepes before… that is a brilliant idea – ding ding!
I’ve had a “Paul” for years too. We refer to each other as our “live diary.” A great friendship shouldn’t be underestimated. :) (Neither should eating dessert!)
Live diary! I like that… too true.
Yes. We “Pauls” are awesome and definitely not to be underestimated.
P.S. The video of Matt and me should never be released to protect my high and mighty dignity. LOL.
P
Yes, yes… sigh. I am so excited that I get to see you soon… (!!)
My kind of dessert, simple and not too rich, just nice and satisfying. I guess I need a Paul, hmmm.
Lol! And yes, yes you do.
It sounds like we all need a Paul. I had one for a little while, but he had to go back to the UK (his name was really Paul!).
Either way, thanks for the shout-out! And I’m totally making these this week; they look incredible!
That is poos, BB. That gives a good reason as any other to visit the UK though ;-)
You are more than welcome for the shout-out… at the moment, every time Google Reader indicates that there is a new post on your blog, I actually get excited :P
That looks naughty. Delicious, but naughty.
Haha I agree Genie, but in this case… I’m inclined to choose to be bad ;-)
Will leave the laptop on the kitchen worktop with photo 4…or was it 6 prominently displayed. Hope my slave cum cook takes the hint.
One can hope! Luckily they are not too hard to make in the event that the hint is not picked up on.
disgustingly divine! and I know just how it tastes!! c
Thanks Celi :-)