Description
A delightful appetizer or dessert featuring sweet poached pears, creamy brie cheese, and flaky puff pastry, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 4 ripe but firm pears, peeled
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 vanilla bean, split
- 8 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a large saucepan, combine water, white wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and vanilla bean. Bring to a simmer.
- Add peeled pears to the poaching liquid. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until pears are tender. Remove pears and let cool.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry and cut into four equal squares.
- Place a slice of brie in the center of each pastry square. Place a poached pear on top of the brie.
- Carefully fold the pastry corners over the pear, sealing edges. Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. Ensure pears are not overripe for best texture.