Jelly-Filled Pears in Puff Pastry with Caramel Sauce

Directions

FOR SAUCE:

Stir sugar and water in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves.

Increase heat; boil without stirring until syrup turns deep-amber color, occasionally swirling pan and brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush to dissolve any sugar crystals.

Remove from heat.

Carefully stir in cream (mixture will bubble vigorously).

Cool.

Stir in Calvados.

(Can be made 1 day ahead.

Cover and chill).

FOR PEARS:

Cut off top 1½ inches from stem end of pears and reserve.

Core each pear through the top, leaving bottom intact.

Spoon 1 teaspoon jelly into hole in each pear.

Replace stem end.

On work surface, roll out each pastry sheet to 18×15 inch rectangle.

Cut out four 8 inch rounds and four 2 inch rounds.

Reserve scraps.

Place pear in center of each 8 inch pastry round.

Gather pastry around each pear and pinch pastry to hold in place (stem end will be exposed).

Brush pastry with egg glaze.

Make hole in center of each two inch pastry round.

Fit 1 round over stem of each pear to form top.

Press firmly against pastry bottom to seal.

Brush pastry top with egg glaze.

Cut out 4 small leaves from pastry scraps.

Brush with egg glaze and place 1 leaf just below stem of each pear.

Refrigerate at least one hour and up to 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 400℉ (200℃).

Butter baking sheet.

Place pears on prepared sheet and bake until pastry is golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Rewarm caramel sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Spoon sauce onto 4 plates.

Place hot pear in center of each plate.

Serve with scoops of vanilla ice cream, if desired.