Cookbook | Ingredients | Recipes

| Dessert

A chocolate pear bake is a dessert that resembles a brownie in appearance, yet contains no flour, instead using whipped egg whites to provide structure. The pear adds a nice mild fruit tone to the chocolate.

Ingredients

• 7 oz (200g) semisweet chocolate, chopped or chips
• ½ cup (120g) butter or margarine
• 4 eggs, separated
• ½ cup (120g) sugar
• 2 pears, sliced
• lightly whipped cream, to serve

Procedure

1. Grease a 9x9 inch (22cm x 22cm) baking dish, and pre-heat the oven to 325°F (170°C).
2. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and butter or margarine. When melted, remove from the heat.
3. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until they become thick and pale yellow.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until firm.
5. Combine the chocolate and egg yolk mixture, and mix well.
6. Beginning with about ⅓ the egg whites, gently fold them into the chocolate/egg yolk mixture.
7. Add the slices of pear, and stir once or twice. Add the entire mixture to the baking dish.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the bake is springy yet firm to the touch.
9. Serve hot with whipped cream.

Notes, tips, and variations

• Substitute sliced peaches, apples, or orange segments for the pears.
• You are able to get all of these ingredients from your local grocery store.

Warnings

• Overmixing after the egg whites have been added to the batter can result in the bake being too dense.