Ingredients

2 (1 pound) cans pears in heavy syrup, drained and syrup and reserved separately

4 tablespoons dark rum

4 ounce milk chocolate baking chip of bar

1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped with 3 tablespoons sugar or 3 cups vanilla ice cream

6 mint sprigs for decorations (optional)

Pere Al Cioccolatto

Serves 6

In a medium saucepan set on medium to medium-high heat, cook the pear syrup until reduced to 1/2 cup. This will take about 25 minutes. Stir in the rum and cook for 1-2 minutes longer. Add the chocolate and stir until the chocolate is melted and completely incorporated. Remove from the heat. Let the sauce sit for 10-15 minutes to cool slightly and thicken.

To serve, place 2 pear halves on a plate with the cut-side-down. Drizzle with the cholcolate sauce and top with a dollop of the whipped cream and sprig of the mint, if you wish. (If using ice cream instead of whipped cream, put a scoop of ice cream next to the pears and then drizzle with the chocolate sauce).

Cook's Tip:

For more elegant presentation, puddle the chocolate sauce on the plate, Cut the pears into fans and place on the sauce. Decorate with the whipped cream and mint.