Pear Cakes Recipe
  Canadian Recipes

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Pear Cakes - Financier Ti�de aux Poires, Cr�me au Caf�

3 small, ripe pears, peeled
4 cups water
1-3/4 cups sugar
2/3 cup butter
3 egg whites
1/2 cup ground almonds
2/3 cup flour
1 Tablespoon confectioner's sugar
3/4 cup whipping cream
1 Tablespoon strong coffee

1. Place the cream, bowl and beaters in the refrigerator.

2. Put a scant cup of the sugar and the water into a saucepan and bring to a boil.

3. Drop the peeled pears into the boiling syrup, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Leave the pears in the syrup to cool.

4. Preheat the oven to 400�F. Butter individual non-stick, 4-inch baking pans with 1/2 tablespoon of butter, then melt the rest of the butter.

5. In a mixing bowl, lightly whip the egg whites, add 3/4 cup of the sugar, ground almonds and flour. Whisk in the melted butter. Pour the batter into the baking pans.

6. Drain the pears and cut them into 8 wedges. Arrange 6 slices in a flower pattern on top of each financier.

7. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, sprinkle them with the confectioner's sugar and bake for an additional 2 minutes or until golden.

8. Whip the cream, adding 2 teaspoons of sugar and the coffee about halfway through.

To serve:
The cakes should be served warm from the oven. Unmold the financiers and place them in the center of a dessert plate, pear side up. Place a dollop of cream on top of each cake.