Happy Endings

A fancy meal without dessert seems just a little empty. But who wants to fuss over dessert after successfully pulling off an elegant meal? However, if making dessert is as simple as microwaving some pears, the whole idea seems tasty!

That's what this month's recipe -- Truffle-Filled Pears -- is all about. Three simple ingredients get combined to make a simple dessert that looks like it came off the pages of a gourmet magazine. The key to it all is getting the very best ingredients. Choose ripe, blemish-free pears, your favorite chocolate truffles and a high-quality chocolate liqueur. The dish can be assembled and heated in less than five minutes. Heck, it will take you longer to make coffee!

Truffle-Filled Pears

  • 2 ripe pears
  • 4 chocolate truffles -- I used raspberry-dark chocolate truffles
  • 8 T. chocolate liqueur

Cut each of the pears into two equal halves. Using a melon baller, remove the seeds and, using a paring knife, remove any remaining stems.

Set each pear half in a small microwavable serving dish and place a truffle upside down in the area where the seeds have been removed. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chocolate liqueur over each pear.

Microwave the pears at the high setting for 1-2 minutes or until the truffles are melted and slightly bubbly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

  • Yields: 4 servings
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes