Title: Pears de cacao
 Categories: Desserts
      Yield: 6 Servings
 
     11    Pear halves; canned or see
           -my note following this
           -recipe
      3 tb Cocoa
    1/4 c  Sugar
    3/4 c  Whipping cream; whipped
      1 ds Salt
    1/2 ts Vanilla extract
    1/4 ts Mint extract
      1 ts Unflavored gelatin
    1/3 c  Creme de Cacao
 
  Drain the pears thoroughly on paper toweling. Combine the cocoa and
  sugar in a mixer bowl, then blend into the cream. Add the salt,
  vanilla and mint extracts. Soften the gelatin in 1 tablespoon of cold
  water, then dissolve over hot water. Add the gelatin to the cream
  mixture and stir until smooth. Chill until of spreading consistency.
  Fill the cavities of the pears and spread the cut sides with the
  chocolate mixture. Place 2 pear halves together to form whole pears,
  then place in a shallow dish, chill for at least 1 hour. Arrange each
  pear in a stemmed compote and spoon the Creme de Cacao over the
  pears. Garnish with Chocolate Leaves and chill until ready to serve.
  Note: These are great for a quick last minute dessert, and if you
  have a bit more time, try using fresh pears which have been peeled
  and poached until tender. For a special treat, inject the pears with
  some of the Creme de Cacao, or Creme de Menthe.