She Strengthens

Fall in Love with This Pear and Ginger Dessert

A Delicious Combination of Flavors and Textures

As the seasons change, our taste buds crave something new and exciting. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce you to a fall dessert that will impress your dinner party guests: crispy phyllo cups filled with spiced pears and topped with a tangy whipped cream.

Getting Started

Before you begin, make sure you have a pastry brush handy. If you don’t have a 12-well muffin pan, don’t worry – you can use two 6-well pans instead. Just be sure to bake them side by side in the oven.

The Phyllo Cups

Heat your oven to 425°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Take a sheet of phyllo and place it on a large cutting board, covering the remaining sheets with a slightly damp paper towel or plastic wrap. Brush the top with melted butter, then repeat the process, alternating butter and phyllo, until you have six layers. Brush the top layer with butter and cut the phyllo into 12 squares. Fit each square into a muffin pan well, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Bake until the dough is lightly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes. Let the cups cool, then remove them from the pan and set aside.

The Spiced Pears

Peel, halve, and core two medium pears, then cut them into medium dice. Melt three tablespoons of butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat until foaming. Add 1/3 cup of brown sugar and cook until the mixture is bubbling and the sugar has dissolved. Add the pears, two tablespoons of finely chopped candied ginger, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is caramelized and the pears are softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in 1/3 cup of toasted and coarsely chopped walnuts.

The Whipped Cream

Place 3/4 cup of very cold heavy cream, two tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a large bowl. Whisk vigorously until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of sour cream and whisk until just incorporated.

Assembly and Serving

To serve, divide the gingered pears and their juices among the phyllo cups. Top each cup with a dollop of whipped cream and serve immediately. This dessert is sure to impress your dinner party guests with its perfect combination of flavors and textures.