Poires Belle-Héléne

The classic version calls for vanilla ice cream, poached pears and a rich, hot chocolate sauce (purists among you can use a chocolate sauce).

The following recipe is easy to make; some flavours have been added to make a change. The combination of pear, caramel, chocolate and coffee is excellent, as is the contrast in temperatures. I use an ice cream shot with little pieces of caramel for a touch of crispness.