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GOAT CHEESE, HONEY & CARAMELIZED PEAR ICE CREAM – A CLASSIC DESSERT REIMAGINED

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GOAT CHEESE, HONEY & CARAMELIZED PEAR ICE CREAM – A CLASSIC DESSERT REIMAGINED

GOAT CHEESE, HONEY & CARAMELIZED PEAR ICE CREAM – A CLASSIC DESSERT REIMAGINED

This elegant dessert combines tangy matured goat cheese ice cream with sweet honey and warm caramelized pears. A recent favorite among my family and surprisingly adored by my 6-year-old kids, it balances creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors beautifully.

🕒 Prep Time: 30 min (+ chilling and freezing)

🍳 Cook Time: 20 min
🍽️ Yields: Ice cream for 8 servings, pears for 4 servings

Ingredients

Goat Cheese Ice Cream:

  • 600 ml heavy cream (15% fat)
  • 40 g honey
  • 120 g matured goat cheese (about 100 g after rind removal), crumbled
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 50 g sugar

Caramelized Pears:

  • 4 small aromatic pears (Williams variety, 300-350 g after peeling)
  • 40 g butter
  • 40 g sugar
  • 2 pinches ground anise
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 50 ml apple brandy

Instructions

Ice Cream Preparation:

  1. Warm cream with honey and crumbled goat cheese gently until cheese melts. Avoid boiling.
  • Alternatively, use half heavy cream (35%) and half milk for lighter texture.
  1. Whisk egg yolks and sugar until smooth. Slowly pour in the warm cream mixture, whisking constantly. Start slowly with half, then add the rest faster.
  2. Heat mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly (similar to drinking yogurt consistency), about 3 minutes or reaching 84°C on a thermometer. Remove from heat.
  • The ice cream is mildly sweet and slightly salty from the cheese—ideal to pair with the sweet pear sauce. Adjust sugar or honey if serving with more tart toppings like berries.
  1. Cool the mixture completely. For speed, place the pot’s bottom in cold water for 10-15 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours.
  2. Freeze the mixture in an ice cream machine following manufacturer instructions (mine took 30 minutes). Transfer to a lidded container and freeze 1 hour to firm up.

Caramelized Pears:

  1. Cut pears into quarters and remove cores. Use ripe, aromatic but firm pears; avoid underripe or overly soft ones.
  2. In a 25 cm diameter pan, melt butter over low heat and add sugar. Once sugar dissolves and caramelizes to a pleasant amber color, place pears cut-side down.
  3. Cook 15-20 minutes, turning pears occasionally until tender but still holding shape.
  4. Make space in the pan’s center and add anise and cinnamon; swirl pan gently to infuse aromas into the caramel. Stir pears gently to coat evenly.
  5. Pour in apple brandy and cook for 1 more minute until sauce is uniform but not reduced too much.
  6. Transfer pears and sauce to a deep plate and let cool slightly.

To Serve:
Scoop a generous ball of goat cheese ice cream and accompany with warm pear slices and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

💡 Tips

  • Use high-quality matured goat cheese for the best flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness according to your topping choices.
  • Prepare pears fresh within 30 minutes of serving for optimal texture and appearance.
  • For a lighter ice cream, substitute some cream with milk as noted.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Elegant desserts
  • Family gatherings
  • Special occasions
  • Balancing sweet and savory flavors

📝 Final Thoughts

This goat cheese and honey ice cream paired with spiced caramelized pears is a sophisticated dessert that combines creamy, sweet, and aromatic elements. Loved by both adults and children, it’s a perfect finale to any meal.