Fried pears with hazelnut praline

Babiche Martens

For those evenings when you feel like a bit of sweetness but haven’t prepared a dessert, these pan-fried pears are perfect. The praline can be made well in advance and stored in an airtight container. This is a stylish dish worthy of a simple dinner party. Complete the picture with a dollop of creme fraiche.

Ingredients

½ cup	Sugar
½ cup	Water
100 g	Chopped hazelnuts (Main)
15 g	Butter
2	Pears, cored, cut into thick slices (Main)
2 Tbsp	Brown sugar
½	Lemons, zest and juice
1 serving	Creme fraiche, to serve

Directions

1. First make the praline. In a small pot place sugar and water. Simmer until golden brown. This will take about 10 minutes. Resist stirring.
2. Place a piece of baking paper on a tin tray and sprinkle the nuts. When caramel is ready pour it over the nuts and leave to cool. Either place in a kitchen processor and blitz until chunky or cover with another piece of paper and hit gently with a rolling pin to crush.
3. Place butter in a frying pan and bring to a sizzle. Add pears and toss until lightly brown and starting to soften. Add sugar and lemon. Continue to cook for 3 or 4 minutes.
4. Serve warm or cold with a dollop of creme fraiche and a sprinkling of praline.

See Angela's pear recipes

• Pears with pork chops and olives
• Little pear and ginger pudding