A Twist on a Seasonal Favorite: Caramel Asian Pears
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
Five spice powder, a popular Chinese spice blend, adds a unique twist to the classic caramel apple recipe. This blend of Szechuan peppercorns, star anise, cloves, cinnamon, and fennel seeds creates a complex flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of Asian pears and the nuttiness of toasted sesame seeds.
A Delicious Alternative to Caramel Apples
Why settle for traditional caramel apples when you can indulge in the exotic flavors of caramel Asian pears? This recipe yields 10 delicious treats that are sure to impress your friends and family.
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: Medium
Yield: 10 Caramel Asian Pears
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp five spice powder
- 3 cups toasted sesame seeds
- 10 Asian pears, washed and dried
- 10 wooden sticks
Toasting Sesame Seeds: A Crucial Step
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. This step takes about 10-15 minutes. Pour the toasted seeds onto a large plate to cool.
Preparing the Asian Pears
Wash and dry the Asian pears, removing the stems and inserting a wooden stick into each pear. Set them aside on a wax paper-lined sheet pan.
Creating the Caramel
Combine all the ingredients, except for the vanilla and five spice powder, in a heavy saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the caramel reaches 248-250°F on a candy thermometer. Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla and five spice powder.
Coating the Asian Pears
Working quickly, dip each Asian pear into the hot caramel, twirling them to coat evenly. Then, roll the coated pears in the toasted sesame seeds and place them back on the wax paper-lined baking sheet. Let the pears cool before serving.
Enjoy Your Delicious Caramel Asian Pears!
These sweet and savory treats are perfect for any occasion. The combination of caramel, five spice powder, and toasted sesame seeds creates a unique flavor experience that will leave you wanting more.
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