Ultimate Chocolate Sundaes - cooking recipe

Ingredients

8 ounces mexican chocolate, coarsley chopped (or bittersweet chocolate)
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup pear liqueur or 1/4 cup pear nectar
4 small pears (about 1 lb., Bosc or Forelle pears are good)
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 quart premium vanilla ice cream

Preparation

In a small saucepan combine the chocolate, water, and 1/4 cup sugar. Melt chocolate over low heat, stirring slowly and constantly. Stir in pear liqueur or nectar. Set aside to cool slightly.
Peel the pears, if desired; cut into quarters.* In a large skillet melt butter. Add pear quarters; cook over medium heat about 12 minutes or until browned and tender, turning once. Add the 2 tablespoons sugar stirring gently until sugar is dissolved and pears are glazed.
To assemble: Place scoops of ice cream in bottom of 8 individual bowls. Spoon two pear pieces and some sauce around ice cream in each bowl. Top with chocolate sauce. Makes 8 servings.
*Note: If using large pears, use only 2 pears and cut into fourths.