Dessert

Pear-Champagne Sorbet

(based on recipe from Cooking.com)

Ingredients:

• 4 large Pears (preferably different varieties), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 2 cups sparkling wine, Champagne, or fruity white wine, such as Riesling, Semillon, or Chenin Blanc (we used a Riesling)
• ¾ cup sugar
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 to 3 tablespoons pear brandy (optional, we didn’t use it)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the pears, wine, sugar, nutmeg, and lemon juice and simmer until the pears are soft, about 10 -20 minutes depending on pears. Lightly mash fruit if desired.
2. Let cool, cover, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
3. Stir in the cream.
4. Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. When the mixture is almost completely frozen, blend in the brandy, if desired.
5. Serve with lace cookies and a sprig of mint in crystal bowls
   

Serves 8