As I told you recently, I came into possession of several new cookbooks. This recipe comes from one of those books, simply entitled Cobblers and Crumbles. When I first saw this book, I thought to myself that those are two things I just don’t make frequently. In fact, in over a year and a half, I’ve only blogged about two of them. Why is that? Not a clue. I quickly decided that surely if I bought the book, I would make at least one in the not too distant future.
I chose this recipe for many reasons. First of all, Quinn loves pears. Secondly, I was intrigued by the combination of pears and chocolate. Thirdly, I wasn’t sure I had ever actually eaten pumpernickel. So, with our recent bout of winter weather, we decided that it was definitely time to make this.
Leaving Quinn in charge of the pear portion of the recipe, I got out my food processor and made the topping. Both components were very simple and quick, and dividing the labor had this lovely dessert in the oven in record time.
While the pear and chocolate combination was initially what interested me, the real winning combination is that of pear and pumpernickel. It may not be a flavor I’m accustomed to, but I really liked it. The pumpernickel on its own, I think, would have been overpowering. Mixing it with brown bread tamed it down just to the right level.
There is just something about warm, fruity desserts like this that makes them seem to belong in winter. Maybe the warmth of it makes it a bit like comfort food. In any case or season, this delicious crumble is definitely a winner.
January 26th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
THIS SOUNDS SO INTERESTING…..
January 26th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I see that we had the same idea for a comforting dessert to overcome the winter months! Pear and chocolate is always a winner in my book
http://chocolateshavings.ca/?p=151
January 26th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I’ve never been fond of eating pears out of hand but paired with chocolate, baked & served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean Haagen-Dazs ice cream…I need no coaxing to try!
January 26th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Well I have to say that I was a little dubious about this one, but as I have found each of the recipes I have tried on this site to be really tasty and interesting, I gave it a go.
I agree about using both the pumpernickel and the brown bread. And of course, pears and chocolate, what else could one want.
http://www.only-cookware.com
January 27th, 2008 at 4:53 am
That picture is so mouthwatering! Especially since I love pear and chocolate.
January 27th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Hendria, “interesting” is a very good description.
Jenn, your chocolate/pear dessert looks delicious!
JEP, the ice cream is a must for this dessert.
Wanda, I’m glad you liked it.
Thanks, Lori!
January 27th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
The addition of pumpernickel is certainly an unusual one and I must say, I can’t quite taste it. Of course, I’d be willing to give it a try and change that.
January 27th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
The picture and description looks very much like a bread pudding- always delicious is my book.
January 27th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
this is great!! Love your site and your photography!!!
http://www.burningkitchen.blogspot.com
January 27th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Brilynn, the pumpernickel was indeed interesting. It worked better than I had thought it would.
Joy, it does look like bread pudding now that you mention it.
Thanks, Terri!
January 28th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Hmm… I’m very picky about fruit and chocolate. But then whenever I usually try something, I end up really liking it. So, maybe I’ll give this a try. I do love pears.
Thanks for the pep talk, too!
January 28th, 2008 at 10:40 am
i think this looks so delicious, love your blog.
January 28th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Amy, I hope you like it! You’re welcome, too.
farncharm, thank you so much!
January 29th, 2008 at 6:10 am
It’s a book I’ve thought about getting! The crumble looks really good and pumpernickel is an unusual addition indeed.
January 29th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Hmmm… hubby loves chocolate, kid loves pears, and I love both. I’ll have to try this luscious treat!
Lori
http://TheRecipeGirl.blogspot.com
January 29th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Tommy, pumpernickel is a bit unusual for this but somehow it works.
Lori, I hope you like it!
January 30th, 2008 at 5:52 am
Oh. God. Yeah! Lemme at it!
January 30th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Oh goodness that first photo is so good. I want to snuggle inside the chocolate between the two pieces of pear!
January 30th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Why don’t I think to pair chocolate with pears. Is there anything chocolate doesn’t improve? Thanks for the uniquely delicious recipe!
January 30th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
This site is amazing. I want to eat everything! I can’t wait to try to make some of the food offered on here.
January 30th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Lovely! Love this combo, it is one of my favorites!
January 30th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Thanks, Joy! That sounds like a great idea.
Susan, it’s truly amazing how many things go with chocolate. Ah, the power of chocolate.
Whitney, thanks so much! I hope you find some recipes you like!
Cakespy, it is really a delicious combination.
January 30th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
terrific, it really looks yummy.
February 6th, 2008 at 11:48 am
This looks excellent…I must try it! Pears and chocolate – very interesting combo!
February 12th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I have a leftover <a href=http://straightfromthefarm.wordpress.com/2008/01/30/pumpernickel-bread/loaf of homemade pumpernickel in my freezer that I think I might have to commandeer for this recipe. Interesting idea! Thanks!
February 12th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Not sure why that link didn’t work in the above comment (it ate my code!) but here it is again. Sorry!
http://straightfromthefarm.wordpress.com/2008/01/30/pumpernickel-bread/
February 15th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Just found your blog and have been going back and reading old entries as well! If you like the pear and chocolate combo, consider pear and nutella. When I studied in Italy the family I lived with did this all the time: pear slices with a little dollop of mascarpone and nutella mixed together. Heavenly.
February 15th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
College Gourmet, I would consider Nutella and just about anything. I must give it a go with pears. Thanks for the tip!