Have you seen a recipe on a blog or on a food porn site or Pinterest that you think, wow, this would be quick and easy? Well that’s what I thought about this toffee pear galette.
I found it on Pinterest in a few places and I’d do it differently next time. Not sure if it’s a galette or a tart or some French word that you know you’ll never remember? If I have misnamed this, it’s only because I found it on the interwebs and did the old assuming.
Well it was easy and it was quick but I need to do that thing I mentioned the other day called common sense. I used commercial puff pastry – of the cheap variety since it was for family eating and then I followed the directions on the amount of toffee sauce. Definite spillover.
All that said – this was so good I was nearly tempted to have a second helping. I only made three so that meant John was going to miss out if I had two. If he hadn’t seen me taking photos, I could have gotten away with it but alas, he came down and said, “Those look good!”
I felt better today than I have in weeks. I did laundry, changed bed linen, cleaned the pool, made a cake, made ice cream and I made this pear dessert. All this from a woman who’s been barely able to moan for way too long. Now if I can keep going without overdoing it and ending up moaning again, life will be exeedingly good.
If you’re looking for an elegant AND easy dessert – make this one. You can poach the pears ahead of time and you can make the toffee sauce (or buy caramel sauce) ahead of time. Then on the day, you put the tarts together and pop in the fridge. When you serve dinner, put these in the oven and 20 minutes later, they’ll be puffed, golden and delicious.
I served this with whipped cream but I’d probably serve it with vanilla bean ice cream too next time. It was 4pm and I’d just finished the photos and Rob and I tucked in. I know, I know – we’re bad. He’d had a crappy day over family affairs and an extra dessert always helps. Especially if it has cream on top.
- 2 pears
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeded
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups water
- ½ lemon juiced
- ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup (I only had light and it worked just fine)
- ¾ stick butter
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 2 sheets puff pastry (185 grams)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Peel each pear from stem down. Brush each pear with lemon juice to avoid browning.
- Place sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar has dissolved. Increase heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add pears and vanilla pod and cut a circle of baking paper and place it on top of the pears. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Turn occasionally so all sides sit in the syrup.
- Remove from heat and let cool enough to handle. (or place in fridge for later use)
- Put the sugar, syrup and butter in a pan and slowly bring to the boil, allowing the butter to melt and the sugar to dissolve.
- Let the mixture bubble for a couple of minutes before carefully adding the cream.
- Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the sauce is thick, sticky and glossy.
- Pre-heat oven to 200C/400F (190C fan forced)
- Use a large cutter or a cardboard template and a knife and cut out rounds of puff pastry and place on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
- Cut another circle and remove the center and place on the first ring to make a raised edge (you need the edge to hold the toffee sauce)
- Pour a couple of tablespoons of toffee sauce in the bottom of the puff pastry circle.
- Cut the pears in half (trying to have stem on both pieces.
- With a spoon scoop out the seeds.
- Place cut side down and using a knife slice the pear thickly but only ¾ of the way up.
- Fan out the slices and place on the toffee sauce.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden.
- Serve with cream, ice cream or custard.
Glad you’re feeling better! Easy is always good, particularly when combined with tasty. This looks quite delish. Next time you’ll know to make more so everyone can have seconds! BTW, really like your food styling in the photos.
Aww, thanks, John. I’ve got a long way to go before I come close to your talent!
I’m sorry to hear that you’re still ailing Maureen. I’m sure extra dessert will help – and I think you are generous to share. Not sure I would have.
I don’t feel sick any more, Amanda but I still have the same chest pain. So something in there must have broken or the virus it could be is taking a long time to heal. As long as I feel “myself” again, I have patience.
Thrilled to hear you’re feeling better, Maureen. Don’t over due it:)
Simple, elegant and delicious sounds good to me. I’ve been on a pear kick lately. It seems I just can’t get enough of them. I’m liking this recipe, lots! I don’t remember seeing it on the Pinterest boards so I better pin it right now to my Pear board, lol…
Thank you so much for sharing and so glad to hear you’re feeling better…
I hope to have time to make them again and use better puff pastry next time. 🙂 The sides should be much higher and the toffee shouldn’t be spilling everywhere. We didn’t care – they were terrific. 🙂
Oh, the toffee sounds heavenly with the pears!
I must say it was a lovely dessert. 🙂
I’m so glad your feeling a little better! Please try not to over do it! I’ve been in the same boat since July after my car accident, it’s amazing how a little time down can really wear your body down. I’ve had to learn a lot of patience with myself and everyone else.. The pear toffee galettes look incredible and would be a marvelous finish to Thanksgiving or Christmas! Thinking of which I better pin these to my Christmas board. Have a wonderful evening.
Thanks, Serena and I know you’re right. It’s tough looking at a to-do list a mile long, checking the underwear drawers and they’re empty and people expect to eat meals around here. 🙂 I have a tough time giving myself permission to stop.
Oh, what a wonderful recipe, Maureen… I love toffee.. and it goes so well with pears! Happy to know you are feeling better, but, being the bossy, cranky, unwell thing that I am, I have to remind you not to overdo it! Much love xxox
Yes, you’re right. I still have the chest pain but the “sick” feeling has gone.
G’day! Best news I’ve heard today Maureen that you are feeling better, true!
Love your Galette and too bad you did not make one extra, as I would have clicked my heels and said, there is no better place to be than Maureen’s today too! lol
Cheers! Joanne
LOL if you click your heels, by the time you get here I could have some more made. 🙂
Oh, yeah! Totally a winner! A decadent winner.
PS…SO glad you’re feeling better. xo
Me too! It is sort of decadent with the puff pastry and the sauce. The pear is healthy though! 🙂
This is a super tempting, inviting three-in-one fun, healthy dessert 🙂 Genius idea and crafty fancy pair curving 🙂 Fancy indeed but I believe a novice cook like myself can make it without freaking out 🙂 Rated 5 star! To me of course 🙂
Hope you’re feeling better these days, health wise. All my best wishes to you, Your Highness. Hugs. Say hello to your hubby and Dad-in-law for me please 🙂
You? Novice? I think not. 🙂 So nice to see you!
Glad you are feeling better, your galettes are beauties, I love toffee with pears!
I really love desserts with pears, add puff pastry, toffee sauce and I am sold! Whipped cream and / or vanilla ice cream helps too. Glad you are feeling better. Take good care of yourself.
Thanks heaps for coming by and leaving a comment – it means a lot. I think pears are often forgotten in desserts in favor of apples or peaches.
Great to hear that you’re feeling better and have so much energy.
The dessert looks beautiful though I’m wondering if you would get higher puff pastry if you baked the puff pastry circle first, then add the caramel sauce and sliced pear and just put the galettes under the broiler for a few minutes.
Probably so but I didn’t want to have to poke the inny bits but I suppose I could have just smashed it with the bottom of a glass. 🙂 I think I used crap puff pastry and too much toffee sauce.
I made caramel sauce for the first time myself last summer, I can imagine how good it is on these pears!
it was pretty good, Mary!
The tarts looks divine-love the fanned pear. But most importantly, I’m so glad that you’re feeling better! 😀
Yeah, they haven’t found the cause of the chest pain but they’ve ruled out my falling off the perch from a heart attack. I don’t feel unwell any more so that’s the best bit.
I’m so glad you’re feeling well 🙂 These look like a great place to direct energy too – they’re beautiful. I also agree whole-heartedly with your decision to use prepared pastry!
Happy to hear you are feeling better Maureen and what a way to celebrate with this beauty. Pears and caramel are a heavenly match ; )
Thanks a lot. I look forward to making them more attractive one day. 🙂
They look stunning girlfriend! Why anyone would actually make their own puff pastry is beyond me. Having said that I will give it a go one day.
I could really go one right now though!
I say the same thing. One day I’ll cover myself with a plastic bag, lay drop cloths on the floor and attempt puff pastry myself.
I’ll be bookmarking this one!
Toffee, pear and puff pastry – delicious!!
Mary x
It was very good! Thanks for visiting, Mary.
Lovin this kind of fuity sweet bites…
i like to change all the sugar content with the low calories or even zero calories ingredients,
btw, can i made this with korean singo pear???
or what is the best pear for this recipe???
I think if you can make toffee sauce sugar free – go for it. 🙂
You should be able to use any pear you can find. Once it’s poached, just slice through, fan and bake.
Love how easy this recipe is and they way you’ve fan out the pear. I’m so glad you’re feeling better.
Once the pear is poached it will do anything 🙂
The Gourmande in me just woke up. =D We get pears here but I don’t like them, they taste so boring and plain. So I don’t cook much with pears here but I am planning already on trying this some time. I know my parents will love it!
and it’s easy so when they arrive and you spend all your time playing tourist – this will make you look like a hero 🙂
Looks delicious! I always love having extra toffee/caramel sauce on hand for ice cream! Or even pancakes!
This looks incredible Maureen! I do enjoy pears this time of years and can just imagine how delicious these galettes are, especially with the toffee! Thanks for sharing your Pinterest find!
xo
Roz
Thanks, Roz – love your pasta!
Save that extra one for me PLEASE?? Pretty please?
Say toffee. I’m in. Add to puff pastry and pears. You’re killing me!
I don’t want to kill you, so come on over 🙂
So glad you are feeling a bit better. Take it easy.
Easy recipes are something I reach for now, with the boys and so much happening. I love this version, looks so good and feels like we spent hours in the kitchen..
I don’t have kids but busy lives need a few really easy, but equally tasty recipes. 🙂
I think I’ve seen this on Pinterest too but if I make it, I’ll be using your recipe. I’m glad to hear you have some spring in your step – it’s been too long. It must be good to be feeling so much better. I’m sorry to hear there have been some family dramas. I hope your FIL is able to sort out the issues. Great looking dessert that I just know would be very tasty xx
I think we all have family dramas that we’re dealing with and we’ll get through this one. 🙂
Oh YUM!
Looks so delicious, I love desserts with fruit… it feels healthier 😉
I tell myself that as I pour on the toffee sauce. 🙂
Dear Maureen, I am happy to hear that you are feeling better and boy did you accomplish a lot!!! Well, I know when you feel better you forget and keep on going.
This certainly is an elegant dessert and I think I would use both the vanilla ice cream and the whipped cream. I am starting to use the phrase “why not?” when it comes to eating more often. lol
Have a beautiful day.
Blessings and hugs, Catherine xo
I’m going to use “why not” from now on!
They look fantastic! I love pear and would really enjoy these. Great photos too!
They aren’t as good as they could be but they were certainly tasty!
Great dessert and so good to hear that you’re feeling better. GG
Thanks, GG !
Another yum, knock it out of the ball park recipe Maureen. Glad to hear you are feeling better.
Thanks, Roberta, it’s been a slog getting here.
Maureen, you deserved two helpings after the day you put in — but you have a magnanimous heart and I’m so thankful to hear it (and you) are feeling better. Beautiful dessert! Extra toffee topping is no problem whatsoever. 😉
Thanks, Kim. Extra toffee is always good.
Love the combination of pears and toffee. I know one of these would cheer me up after a bad day!
I’m 100% convinced of it, Christina!
this looks divine and so pleased that your feeling better
Hello Rebecca, how nice to see you! It’s been ages. We need to catch up! You’ve always been an inspiration to me.
Looks and sounds fabulous Maureen. Hope you continue to feel well but please slow down, you do too much!
(well, how’s that for the pot calling the kettle black 🙂 )
I was just about to say… someone who has 15 jobs associated with her blog, jets off to England at the drop of a hat, keeps a big house and garden and produces the most wonderful food ever. We both need to sit down with a cuppa. 🙂
Please give me toffee anything!!! These look delicious! Glad to hear you are feeling better 🙂
Toffee burgers coming right up. 🙂 Thanks so much for coming by!
Glad you’re feeling better.
I can relate to your feelings about using common sense with an unfamiliar recipe! Anyway these look good regardless.
Hi Paula, so nice of you to come by and visit! I know these will be better next time but they were delicious. I hope someone tries them and makes their even prettier. 🙂
Oh YUM! I’m busy pinning easy recipes for Christmas so I can take the pressure off Mum who started stressing about it all about six months ago….Dad would be licking his lips if I made this. Glad you’re feeling better x
I’ve missed your blog so much! Just catching up on mine and others now. I LOVE pear and this looks perfect to have with a nice cuppa with this rainy weather we have been getting x
I’m so glad to see you. It’s booming outside and the clouds are menacing. High winds and more hail on the way to the Sunshine Coast.
How pretty Maureen! I’m so glad you’re feeling better.
Thanks, Claire. How are you and the wee one getting along?
Glad to hear you are feeling better — not sure what comes first, the feeling better or getting the laundry done, which makes me feel better — pleased for you just the same. 🙂
What an easy and elegant dessert, this has intimate dinner party all over it.
Getting the house back in order was definitely a better feeling 🙂 I can’t stand living in filth. LOL
holy moly Maureen, that looks AMAZING!!
imagine if it had been made properly, Lisa!
so glad that you’re feeling better! It’s a bummer being sick. 🙁 This was a great little dessert to jump back on the wagon with. I remember seeing these on P a while back and thought the same thing. “I must make them!” Great job Maureen! There are as pretty as the ones I saw earlier. Glad to hear they taste as good as they look!
They’ll be better after my practice run. I know we’re all supposed to make a recipe 3 times and get others to test it but what hogwash that is. People like to see what we eat… warts and all. 🙂
Now that looks orgasmic, look at that. Tell me who would not drool over it
They’d have to be nuts, right?
ooooooh! toffee and pear sound like such a dreamy combination.
They were really good!
What a beautiful recipe. Perfect to entertain with since the presentation is so pretty. 🙂
Glad you are feeling better! Pear desserts are just so elegant. I love this twist with the toffee!