Serves: 12
Total Calories: 262

1 1/2 cups superfine sugar
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 red Bartlett pears
6 Comice or Bosc pears
1/2 pound almond or vanilla flavored Italian biscotti
1/2 pound mascarpone cheese or caramel or cinnamon flavored gelato or ice cream
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon stirred into cheese or vanilla ice cream

Combine sugar, vinegar, pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a bowl. Mix well to incorporate. Let stand for 15 minutes.

In the meantime cut the pears (skin on) into thin wedges with the seeds and stem removed. A good trick is to halve the fruit then use a melon-baller to scoop out the seeds then trim away the small bit of stem.

Place pears in a mixing bowl and carefully mix. When the balsamic-sugar mixture is ready, pour over the fruit and mix gently to coat evenly. Gently crush the biscotti into 6 serving bowls. Divide the pears into each dish then top with a dollop of the mascarpone cheese or a scoop of caramel or cinnamon flavored gelato or ice cream. Serve immediately

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 12
Total Calories: 262
Calories from Fat: 30

More Recipes from the Cast Iron Covered Wagon Cookin' -Appetizers Cookbook:
Black Bean and Mango Salad
Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad
Chicken Stuffed Puffs
Cowboy Caviar
Creamy Mushroom Soup
Honey and Blue Cheese Fondue
Hot German Potato Salad
Italian Red Lentil Soup
KFC's Famous Cole Slaw
Kickin' Tuna Salad
Mini Stuffed Tomatoes
Quick French Onion Soup
Spicy Cheese Fondue
Tarragon Tuna Pasta Salad
Winter Pears