Italian Desserts Recipes - Chocolate and Ricotta-Filled Pears

Ingredients

• 3 cups water

• 1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel (set aside)

• 2 tablespoons orange juice

• 3 large ripe Bose, Anjou, or Bartlett pears

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

• 2 tablespoons miniature semisweet chocolate pieces

• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

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Method:

1. In a large saucepan combine the water and orange juice. Bring to boiling over medium heat. Add pears. Bring just to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook about 10 minutes or just until pears are tender. Pears should retain shape.

2. Using a slotted spoon, remove pears from pan; let stand for 20 to 25 minutes or until cooled. Discard cooking liquid.

3. In a medium bowl stir together ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Stir in chocolate pieces and shredded orange peel. Set aside.

4. Peel cooled pears and cut in half lengthwise. Remove and discard seeds and core, leaving stem intact if desired. Spoon ricotta mixture into centers of pears.

5. Arrange filled pear halves on dessert plates. Sprinkle with almonds.