Creamy Caramel Pear Ice Cream Food

CARAMELIZED PEARS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, combine brown sugar, butter and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally, 4-5 minutes. Add pears; cook and stir until pears are tender, 5-10 minutes longer. Serve over ice cream if desired.

CARAMELIZED CARDAMOM PEARS WITH ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• In a small saucepan melt butter over moderate heat and stir in brown sugar, water, and cardamom until sugar is dissolved. Quarter pear lengthwise and core. Cut each pear quarter in half lengthwise and in an 8-inch square baking pan toss with syrup. Roast pears in middle of oven, turning once, until tender and syrup is caramelized, about 15 minutes.
• Transfer pears with a slotted spoon to 2 plates and stir rum into syrup until combined well. Scoop ice cream onto plates and spoon syrup over it.

PEAR ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Combine milk, cream, and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat until small bubbles appear around the edge. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes.
• In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook pears for 45 minutes, or until they make a thick sauce. Let cool a bit, then puree in a food processor or blender.
• Beat together egg yolks and sugar in a small bowl. Bring milk mixture back to a simmer, and whisk about 1 cup hot milk into egg mixture. Return to pan, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until thick enough to coat the spoon, about 5 minutes.
• Stir puree into ice-cream base. Chill, then stir in brandy, if desired. Freeze in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Store in an airtight plastic container up to 2 weeks.