Adapted from Tartelette.
Ingredients for the poached pears:
- 6 small pears like Forelles or Seckel
- 1/2 cup (100gr) sugar
- 2-3 cloves
- 2-3 cardamom pods
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 5-6 allspice berries
- 1-2 star anise
- 1/2 lemon
- 4 cups (1 liter) water
Ingredients for the souffle cakes:
- 3 tablespoons (40gr) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100gr) sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (190ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup ground almonds (blanched or skin on – your preference)
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Directions for the poached pears:
Place the pears, spices, lemon and water in tall saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Lower the heat and let them simmerfor 15-20 minutes or until the pears are just soft (poke with a toothpick to check).
Remove from the water using a slotted spoon and allow to cool on paper towel or baking rack.
Directions for the souffle cakes:
Preheat the oven to 350F and position a rack in the middle.
Slightly butter or spray 6 ramekins and place them on a baking sheet. Set aside.
In the bowl if an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffly (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs, one a time and beat well in between each addition. Reduce the speed to low and add the vanilla, heavy cream, almonds, flour and baking powder and beat until incorporated. Fill each ramekins about 1/3 full with the batter and place a poached pear in the center.
Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Serve at room temperature with some powdered sugar dusted on top if desired.
Serves 6.
12 Comments
Megan
August 30, 2011 at 1:31 amdelicious…. beautiful post… I love the little pear nestled in the box –
Yelena
August 30, 2011 at 2:03 amThank you so much, it is delicious, very soft and the pears are just gorgeous!
Dzoli
August 30, 2011 at 5:34 amI love poached pear.I often make them in wine with star anise and vanila and few more spices..Your idea is definitely worth trying.Pear looks so happy in her nest:)
Tina (PinayInTexas)
August 30, 2011 at 3:42 pmWow! What a wonderful recipe and amazing pix you have there!
The Mom Chef
August 31, 2011 at 12:17 amI don't know that I've ever seen a more gorgeous souffle. I love the idea of the pears cushioned in the souffle like that. It's beautiful and elegant.
Christine's Pantry
August 31, 2011 at 3:21 amLove pears! Great recipe.
Parsley Sage
August 31, 2011 at 2:03 pmFabulous photos! That souffle is absolutely stunning! Buzzed 🙂
Chocolate Shavings
September 1, 2011 at 1:46 amThese photos are gorgeous and the cake looks delicious!
mathea
September 2, 2011 at 9:09 ami love your blog. i love to cook for my 2 kids and i love food photos too. great i've found this site of yours.
Magic of Spice
September 2, 2011 at 11:22 pmWhat a stunningly beautiful souffle…wow!
Amy
September 3, 2011 at 1:10 amThese are so beautiful! Poaches pears and souffles are delicious alone, but to combine them sounds amazing!
Lynn @ I'll Have What She's Having
September 6, 2011 at 2:33 amGorgeous! The souffle sounds wonderful, and your photos are beautiful.