Brandied Pears with Mascarpone Cream Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 large pears, peeled and cored
• 1 cup of brandy
• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of mascarpone cheese
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons of chopped hazelnuts

Directions

1. In a large pot, add the brandy, sugar, and pears. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat to low, and simmer until pears are tender, about 15 minutes.
2. In a separate pot, add the cream and mascarpone cheese. Heat until cheese has melted and mixture is creamy. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.
3. Remove pears from heat and let cool slightly.
4. To serve, place pears on a plate and spoon cream sauce over them. Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.

Interesting Facts

• Pears are an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamin C.
• Brandy is a distilled spirit made from wine or other fermented fruit juice.
• Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese made from cow's milk.