2 whole firm pears, peeled and cored
juice of 1 lemon in 2 cups water
1/4 cup almond slivers
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tbl. Butter
1/2 tsp. Almond extract
2 sheets puff pastry, cut into 6″ x 6″ squares, save scraps
1 egg beaten with 1 Tbl. Cream (egg wash)
Vanilla ice cream
Mint leaves
Cinnamon
Cut the pears in half lengthwise. Core out center. Place in lemon-water while preparing the filling. In a blender or food processor, mix the almonds, sugar, butter and almond extract until it forms a paste. Take one fourth of the paste and press into the center of each pear. Place pear flat side up on a piece of puff pastry. Fold over the pastry to form a pear-shaped enclosed pastry. Place flat side down on parchment paper. Use remaining pears and filling in the same manner.
With a knife, cut out “leaves” with remaining scraps of puff pastry. Brush the pears with egg wash, place “leaves” on pears and bake in 425 degree oven for 20 min.
Remove from oven. Cool slightly. Place on plate with scoop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkle with cinnamon and garnish with mint leaves. Serves 4.
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