Baked pears with couscous, Amaretti and chocolate

A favorite way to enjoy fall fruit is baked. Sometimes with a little yogurt, or a little ice cream for dessert. Mixed with the season’s spices they make the kitchen smell heavenly while baking. Not to mention, the sweetness and the velvety texture that melts in your mouth and makes you go back to your childhood days.

So while we are well into fall, why not try some sweet and ripe pear, heavenly baked, topped with couscous and chocolate chips and a spoonful of golden honey drizzling everywhere. This baked pears with couscous, Amaretti and chocolate recipe is so easy to make and it always turns out better than one hopes! Let’s give it a try.

• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 25/30 minutes
• Portions: serves 4 people

Recipe by Simona Novarini

 

Ingredients

• 50 ml of whole milk
• 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of bitter cocoa powder
• 40 grams of Martino Couscous
• 4 big pears cut in half
• 4 – 5 amaretti biscuits
• 1 tablespoon of chocolate drops
• Honey as needed

Directions:

Hydrate the couscous

As always we first hydrate the couscous. In a non-stick pan pour 50ml of whole milk; add one teaspoon of granulated sugar and one teaspoon of bitter cocoa. Bring everything to a simmer. When simmering turn off the heat and pour 40 grams of Martino Couscous.

Make sure to cover with the pan with a lid and let it sit for 4-5 minutes until the couscous has absorbed all the milk and has become fluffy.

When ready fluff the couscous with the help of a fork. This will remove any lumps and separate the delicate grains without crushing them to give the couscous a light texture.

Prepare the pears

To begin with, wash 4 big pears thoroughly and cut them in halves. With the help of a teaspoon, scoop the core of the fruit and some pulp to create a well in the center. Do this in the largest part of the fruit.

Do not throw away the pulp: pour it in a small bowl, give it a whisk and set it aside for later.

Prepare the couscous mixture

First, use your hands to crush the amaretti biscuits. Next, bring a large mixing bowl. Add inside the hydrated fluffy couscous, the crushed amaretti biscuits, the chocolate chips, and the pear pulp. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon. Here is your time to experiment: add your own personal touch to the mixture and surprise everyone who will taste this delicious dessert!

Fill in the pear hearts!

With the help of a spoon, fill in the wells you created in the pear halves with the sweet couscous mixtures. Fill them one by one and lay the pears in a baking tray. When ready sprinkle some granulated brown sugar on top! Yummy, it will add sweetness and create a thin caramel crust!

Baking

Next, bake the pears in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes at 180°C. Make sure that the fruit is baked all-through and is soft. Once cooked, let the pears cool in the oven and before serving sprinkle with your favorite honey and some almond slices!

Serving

If you are into a sweet breakfast, add some yogurt and enjoy your baked pears with couscous. If you want to serve them for dessert after lunch or dinner, opt for delicious vanilla ice cream. If you are into an afternoon snack go for a baked pear with a cup of tea.

You see, you can enjoy a baked pear with couscous, amaretti and chocolate any time of the day! The recipe is easy and so versatile. Serve your whole family with this mesmerizing sweet treat that is ready to make in just 30 minutes and don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter to receive all the delicious Martino’s recipes directly in your inbox!

For the adventurous, don’t miss this opportunity to add your personal touch to the dessert. Mix your nuts, dry fruits. Season it with your favorite spices: cardamom, cinnamon, anise. Use your favorite macaroons or any other type of cookie. Try it with white chocolate, try it with all kinds of ice creams but don’t forget to leave a comment to tell us all about it.