Pear Chocolate Marzipan Strudel Food

PEAR STRUDEL WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine the sugar and vanilla in a food processor and blend until the beans are very finely chopped.
• Sift the vanilla sugar into a bowl and discard the contents of the sieve; cover and set aside.
• Combine the cream, water, and 3 tablespoons of the vanilla sugar in a saucepan.
• Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
• Remove from the heat, add the chocolate, and whisk until smooth.
• Whisk in the brandy.
• Mix ½ cup of the vanilla sugar and cornstarch in a bowl.
• Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet, then add the pears and sauté until tender and golden.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch mixture over the pears and stir to blend.
• Simmer until the juices are very thick, stirring often.
• Remove from the heat, mix in the lemon juice, and let cool.
• Finely grind the nuts, cookies, and 2 tablespoons of the vanilla sugar in the food processor; transfer to a small bowl.
• Butter a baking sheet and place a phyllo sheet on a work surface.
• Brush the phyllo with butter, top with a second phyllo sheet, and brush again with butter.
• Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of the nut mixture.
• Repeat layering with 6 more phyllo sheets, buttering and sprinkling each with 3 tablespoons of the nut mixture.
• Top with another phyllo sheet and brush with butter.
• Top with another phyllo sheet (for a total of 10 sheets) and brush with butter.
• Starting 2 inches from the long side and 2½ inches from the short side, spoon the filling in a 3-inch-wide and 12-inch-long log parallel to one of the long sides.
• Fold the short sides over the filling and unsalted butter the folded edges.
• Roll up the strudel lengthwise, enclosing the filling, and transfer to the greased baking sheet.
• Brush the strudel thoroughly with butter.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the strudel until golden brown, about 45 minutes.
• Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting with a serrated knife into crosswise sections.
• Spoon warm chocolate sauce onto each serving plate and place the strudel atop the sauce.
• Place a scoop of ice cream alongside, garnish with mint, and serve.