Pears Helene (Five Roses)

Directions

Pears: Combine water and sugar in saucepan; bring to a boil.

Simmer uncovered 5 minutes.

Meanwhile pare, halve and core pears. Place halves cut side down in syrup and simmer until tender, about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat, add vanilla and cool in syrup about 1 hour. (Pears may be cooked ahead of time and held in refrigerator until ready to serve.)

Sauce: Melt chocolate and butter in double boiler (or in microwave).

Gradually stir in boiling water, sugar, corn syrup and salt.

Place top of double boiler directly over heat and bring to boil stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and flavour to taste.

Pears Helene: Arrange cooked pear halves (can place on top of vanilla ice cream if desired) and spoon hot chocolate sauce on top.

Granish with chopped almonds if desired and serve immediately.