Pears Hélène Named After a Queen

When it comes to fruit, fresh pears are at the top of the list. If out of season, then the canned ones will just have to do. Do for what? Pear Cobbler, Pear Salad, Pear Cheesecake, Pear Sorbet, Triple Pear Parfait, Pear Upside Down Cake, Pear Brûlée, need I say more? Maybe just one little question...What about pairing the lightness of the pear with the richness of chocolate sauce?

March 15 is... 

National Pears Hélène Day 

(Pears Hélène, Pears Belle-Hélène or Poire Belle-Hélène)

Poached Pear Recipe
Pears Hélène, Pears Belle-Hélène or Poire Belle-Hélène are basically one in the same: Poached pears in Chocolate Sauce. 

The dessert owes its origin to the opera La belle Hélène by composer Jacques Offenbach. It’s a comedic take on the elopement of Queen Helen, wife of King Menelaus of Sparta, with Prince Paris of Troy. This act of l’amour started the Trojan War, as the Greeks sailed to Troy to retrieve their queen. The opera debuted on December 17, 1864, was a big success, and the dessert was developed by Auguste Escoffier as a tribute. [Source: History Poires Helene Day] 

Recipe time...

Pear Belle-Hélène Pie Recipe

Poached Pear (Check out the Gallery)

Poires Belle-Hélène Recipe

Poire Belle-Hélène Recipe

Pear Belle-Hélène Pie Recipe

Pear Coffee Cake Belle-Hélène Recipe

Pear and Chocolate Belle-Hélène Cake Recipe

AND don't forget the individual little personal...

Pear Belle-Hélène Cupcakes Recipe

 Is your mouth watering yet?

yum, yum, yum . . . yummy!