Caramelized Pears with Vanilla Panna Cotta and Hazelnut Sauce

Learn how to make this elegant Vanilla Panna Cotta with Caramelized Pears and Hazelnut Sauce. A perfect dessert for dinner parties and special occasions!

Ingredients:

For the Panna Cotta:

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin

3 tbsp water

For the Caramelized Pears:

• 2 ripe pears (halved and cored)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water

For the Hazelnut Sauce:

• 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts (roughly chopped)
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Garnish:

• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Panna Cotta:

• In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
• Heat milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
• Remove from heat, add vanilla extract, and stir in the gelatin until dissolved.
• Pour the mixture into ramekins or molds, let cool, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2. Prepare Caramelized Pears:

• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add pear halves cut side down, sprinkle with brown sugar, and add water.
• Cook until tender and caramelized, about 5 minutes per side. Set aside.

3. Make Hazelnut Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, warm caramel sauce over low heat.
• Stir in hazelnuts and set aside.

4. Assemble:

• Carefully unmold the panna cotta onto serving plates.
• Place caramelized pears next to the panna cotta.
• Drizzle hazelnut sauce over the dish and garnish with mint leaves.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 19g
• Carbs: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 27g

Good For:

• A light, elegant dessert for dinner parties
• Enhancing digestive health with pears (rich in fiber)
• Providing heart-healthy fats from hazelnuts