Caramelized Ginger Pear Cheesecake Food

PEAR-GINGERSNAP CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Fill a roasting pan halfway with water and set on a rack in the lower third of the oven; position another rack in the middle and preheat to 325 degrees F. Wrap the outside (bottom and side) of a 9-inch springform pan with foil. Make the crust: Pulse the gingersnaps in a food processor until finely ground. Add the melted butter and brown sugar and pulse to combine. Press into the bottom and about 1 inch up the side of the prepared pan; set aside.
• Prepare the pears: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pears, sprinkle with the granulated sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pears are tender and lightly browned around the edges, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the molasses and continue cooking until syrupy, about 2 more minutes; set aside.
• Make the filling: Beat the Neufchatel cheese and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and flour and beat until just combined, then add the sour cream and beat until smooth, about 1 more minute.
• Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Gently arrange the pear slices on top; set aside any extra molasses syrup at room temperature for serving. Transfer the cheesecake to the oven, placing it on the middle rack directly over the water bath. Bake until lightly browned and set around the edge but the center still jiggles slightly, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until cold and set, at least 6 hours or overnight. Let the cheesecake sit at room temperature 20 minutes, then run a thin knife around the edge and remove the springform ring. Drizzle with the remaining molasses syrup.

MA TANTE'S CARAMELIZED PEAR & GINGER TART

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Peel and slice pears,
• Caramelize the pears in butter and 3 tbsps sugar. Cook until a nice golden brown and set aside to cool.
• Arrange the cooled, caramelized pears nicely in the unbaked pie crust.
• Blend together the eggs, remaining sugar, minced candied ginger, cream, ground almonds and pear brandy or nectar.
• Pour the custard mixture over the pears and place in a preheated oven and bake for 25 - 30 minutes. (or until done)
• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving -- this is equally as good cold as it is warm.
• When ready garnish with a large dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle remaining shredded candied ginger overtop.
• Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!