I’m starting off this week of busy Christmas preparations with one of my favorites in this edible gift series.
Caramel dipped pears.
I love receiving caramel dipped apples during the holiday season, but the one thing that trumps caramel dipped apples?
These caramel dipped pears. I mean, look at the shape of these babies! I love the elegant shape of a Bosc pear along with their delicate stem. And they taste amazing. Even better than a caramel dipped apple, in my opinion. These would make an excellent gift for anyone this year. There are so many different ways you could top them. Here I’ve done a simple salted caramel, chocolate and toasted hazelnut, as well as a white chocolate with English toffee pieces.
I served these at a Christmas party the other evening, and let me tell you, they make quite the statement on the dessert table.
I love using Bosc pears for their elegant shape, but you could use any variety of pear you like. I think Bartletts would be especially delicious dipped in caramel!
For a fun little touch, I made little tags by cutting a leaf shape out of kraft paper, writing a little message, and then attaching it with twine.
Super simple, right?
Instead of making caramel apples this season, maybe give these a try?!
- 1 C. Butter
- 2¼ C. Packed Light Brown Sugar
- 1 14 oz. can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 C. Light Corn Syrup
- 1 t. Vanilla
- Melt the butter in a large, microwave safe bowl. Make sure that the bowl is large enough that the caramel mixture won't boil over when it cooks.
- Add the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup. Stir well.
- Microwave on high for 14-20 minutes(total time will depend on your microwave), removing to stir every 3 minutes, then quickly get it cooking again.
- When it has reached the right consistency, add the vanilla to the caramel and stir thoroughly.
- *If you don't cook it long enough, it will be too soft and sticky. If you cook it too long it will be hard and chewy.
- My microwave only takes 14 minutes, but other microwaves I've used take much longer.
- When the caramel nears 14 minutes of cooking, place a drop of it in a cup of ice water. Wait a minute and then remove it and check the consistency. If it falls apart, it needs to cook longer. If it is too hard, it is over cooked.
- TO MAKE THE CARAMEL DIPPED PEARS:
- *select pears with long stems still attached.
- Make the caramel according to directions. Allow to cool for a minute or two. Holding the pear by the stem, dip into the caramel and turn to coat on all sides. Hold the pear above the caramel and allow the excess caramel to drip off.
- Place the pear on a sheet of parchment paper and allow the caramel to firm up.
- Dip the pear in melted chocolate and then dip the bottom of the pear in chopped nuts, toffee, chocolate shavings, or any other toppings you desire.
- Place on parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set.
