Pear and Chocolate Flan

Ingredients:

• 1 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large ripe pears
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out pie crust and place into a 9-inch pie dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs until smooth.
3. Stir in heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
5. Place the pie dish onto a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set.
6. While the pie is baking, peel, core, and slice the pears into thin wedges.
7. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced pears and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
8. Add brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt to the skillet. Stir until the sugar is melted and the pears are coated in the mixture. Remove from heat.
9. Arrange the sautéed pears on top of the baked flan.
10. Cool the flan completely before serving.

Verdict:

The combination of sweet pears and rich chocolate makes this flan a delicious dessert. The buttery crust adds a nice contrast to the soft and creamy filling. If desired, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.