Cookbook:Chocolate Pear Bake

| Dessert

A chocolate pear bake is a dessert that resembles a brownie in appearance, yet contains no flour, instead using whipped egg whites to provide structure. The pear adds a nice mild fruit tone to the chocolate.

Ingredients

 * 7 oz (200 g) semisweet chocolate, chopped or in chips
 * ½ cup (120 g) butter or margarine
 * 4 eggs, separated
 * ½ cup (120 g) white granulated sugar
 * 2 pears, sliced
 * Lightly whipped cream, to serve

Procedure

 * 1) Grease a 9 x 9-inch (22 x 22 cm) baking dish, and preheat the oven to 325°F (170°C).
 * 2) In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and butter or margarine. When melted, remove from the heat.
 * 3) Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until they become thick and pale yellow.
 * 4) In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until firm.
 * 5) Combine the chocolate and egg yolk mixture, and mix well.
 * 6) Beginning with about ⅓ the egg whites, gently fold them into the chocolate/egg yolk mixture.
 * 7) Add the slices of pear, and stir once or twice. Add the entire mixture to the baking dish.
 * 8) Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the bake is springy yet firm to the touch.
 * 9) Serve hot with whipped cream.

Notes, tips, and variations

 * Substitute sliced peaches, apples, or orange segments for the pears.
 * You are able to get all of these ingredients from your local grocery store.

Warnings

 * Overmixing after the egg whites have been added to the batter can result in the bake being too dense.