Seared Pear with Dried Fruit and Chocolate Drizzle

Stanley's Fruit Market had the cutest little pears last week that just couldn't be passed up.  They were Seckel pairs, like baby little Bartlett's, only sweeter.

After taking down a few with my teeth, I decided to make a little treat out of them.  It's simple and sweet with a hint of savory.  Great for a light dessert or an afternoon treat.  If you use a larger, or normal, size pear, you will probably find 1/2 of a pear per person is enough.  It's a yummy fat and happy treat! 


Seared Pear with Dried Fruit and Chocolate Drizzle
2 baby pears (or 1 large)
4 tbls each of dried blueberries and dried cranberries
2 tbls thinly sliced shallots
2-3 fresh thyme sprigs
2 tbls white wine
fresh black pepper

Toast a handful of pumpkin seeds
Warm 4 tbls of dark chocolate

Cut 2 baby pears in half, remove core

Add 1 tbls butter to warmed fry pan, over medium heat, sear pears in the butter, cut side down for about 3 minutes.

Add 4 tbls dried blueberries and 4 tbls dried cranberries.  Continue to sautee for about 2 minutes.

Add 2 tbls thinly sliced shallots and 2 or 3 thyme sprigs, sautee until the shallots are tender, about 2 minutes (careful not to burn them).  The pear should be nicely seared by now, remove pear, add 2 tbls white wine. Add about 10 turns of fresh black pepper, toss the berries a couple of times,  simmer for a minute.

Arrange the pears on a plate, spoon on the berries and sauce.  Drizzle with chocolate,  top with toasted pumpkin seeds and serve immediately while warm. (serves 2)