Week 34 - Caramelized Pear Pancakes

Years ago, when I was living in Kentucky, I had to learn to cook for myself.  You see, prior to that, I always had either my Mom or the college cafeteria to provide me meals.  Armed with a few family recipes, and the Food Network, I slowly began to conquer the kitchen.  I remember one of the first dessert recipes I made was a baked caramelized pear, topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.  Simple and elegant.  This is a take on that delicious dessert.  Jó étvágyat!
 

Caramelized Pear Pancakes

Ingredients

• 2 eggs, separated
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 cups "Simply Perfect" Pancake Mix (See week 5)
• 1 1/2 pears, diced (about 2 cups worth)
• butter, for greasing the pan
• Caramel-Pear Sauce (recipe below)

Lots of delicious pears

Directions

1. Heat an electric griddle or frying pan to 350 degrees F.

2. Whisk the egg whites until white and frothy.  
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, buttermilk, melted butter, and pancake mix together.  
4. Add in the egg white and then fold in pears. 
5. Lightly butter the griddle.
6. Gently ladle the pancake batter onto the griddle.  When bubbles begin to set around the edges of the pancake and the griddle-side of the cake is golden, gently flip the pancakes. Continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the pancake is set.
7. Serve with warm caramel-pear sauce.

Caramel-Pear Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Dash of cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 pears, diced (about 2 cups worth)

Directions
1. Combine the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.  Stir until the mixture thickens, about 4-6 minutes.

2. Stir in the pears and continue to simmer until pears soften, about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently. Allow to cool slightly.