Discover our Candied Glass Pears for effortless garnishing or decoration! This batch beautifully adorned our Pear and Almond Torte with Fresh Pear Coulis.
These pears not only add an elegant touch to desserts but also offer a delightful and enjoyable cooking experience. The longer they soak in their colored syrup bath, the deeper and more vibrant the hues become. These were left overnight, resulting in rich fall colors.
Both pears and apples work well; opt for fruits that are firm to the touch and not fully ripe. We utilized a mix of Bosc, Bartlett, and Red Anjou Pears.
- Mandoline Slicer
- Pot(s) if using more than 1 color
- Sheet Pans
- Parchment Paper
- Sugar
- Gel Food Color or Natural Food Dyes
- Rack for finishing the drying process
If you possess excellent knife skills, you can hand-slice the pears. Nonetheless, we strongly advocate investing in a Mandoline Slicer. Apart from slicing pears, it offers numerous other functionalities! With its remarkable speed and ability to produce uniform slices, using it not only halves your prep time (thanks to its efficiency) but also ensures even cooking in your dishes!
Safely Slicing Pears with a Mandoline Slicer
When using a mandoline slicer to slice pears, follow these safety tips to ensure a smooth and accident-free process:
Secure the Mandoline: Place the mandoline slicer on a stable and flat surface, ensuring it is securely locked in place before use. This prevents it from slipping or moving during slicing, reducing the risk of injuries.
Use the Hand Guard: Always use the hand guard or safety holder provided with the mandoline slicer. This tool helps protect your fingers from the sharp blade while applying even pressure to the pear for consistent slicing.
Keep Fingers Away from the Blade: Exercise caution and keep your fingers away from the cutting edge of the blade at all times. Mandoline slicer blades are extremely sharp and can cause serious injuries if not handled properly.
Slice with Even Pressure: Hold the pear firmly with the hand guard or using a kitchen towel to protect your fingers. Glide the pear back and forth across the blade of the mandoline slicer with even pressure, using a smooth and steady motion.
Watch Your Speed: Avoid rushing when using the mandoline slicer. Take your time to ensure precise and controlled slicing, reducing the risk of accidents.
Slice Away from Your Body: When slicing the pear, ensure that you are slicing away from your body to avoid accidentally cutting yourself. Maintain a safe distance between your hand and the blade at all times.
Clean with Caution: When cleaning the mandoline slicer, handle the blades with care to avoid accidental cuts. Use a brush or sponge to clean the blades, and always store the slicer safely when not in use.
By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy the convenience and efficiency of a mandoline slicer while minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries when slicing pears.
Versatile Uses of a Mandoline Slicer
A mandoline slicer is a versatile kitchen tool that can slice a wide variety of ingredients with precision and efficiency. Here are some common items that can be sliced using a mandoline slicer:
- Vegetables (e.g., potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, onions, bell peppers)
- Fruits (e.g., apples, pears, strawberries, kiwi, citrus fruits)
- Firm cheeses (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan)
- Leafy greens (e.g., lettuce, cabbage, kale, spinach)
- Firm tofu
- Eggs (hard-boiled or soft-boiled)
- Potatoes for making chips or gratin
- Thinly sliced meats (when using a mandoline with a meat attachment)
- Chocolate for garnishes or decorations
- Nuts and seeds (for garnishes or adding to dishes)
With its adjustable slicing thickness and sharp blade, a mandoline slicer offers endless possibilities for creating uniform slices of various ingredients, making it a valuable tool in any kitchen.
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How to Make Candied Glass Pears
Ingredients
- 6 Pears or however many you wish to color
- 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
- 2 cups (500 ml) water
- food coloring natural or gel
Instructions
Syrup
- Add 1 cup (200 grams) sugar to 2 cups water (500 ml) to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil and add food coloring, the more color you add the more intense the color of your pears.
- Carefully slice firm-fleshed pears to approx. 1-1.5 mm on a Mandoline Slicer. Add the pears to the boiling syrup and reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, slide off of the burner and allow the pears to soak in the syrup between 1 hour and overnight. (Pears shown were soaked overnight).
Drying Process
- Preheat the oven to 200°F/93.3°C and line sheet pan(s) with parchment paper. Remove the pears from the syrup allowing the excess liquid to drip off. Lay the pears out onto the parchment lined sheet pans.
- Allow the pears to cook in on the oven for 2 hours, checking at 30-minute intervals. The pears should remain flexible, you don't want them turning into chips. They will harden even more after removing them from the oven.
Notes
- Prep time is approximate.
- Store pears in an airtight container with parchment paper in between layers. Will maintain optimum freshness up to 3 months.
Creative Recipe Inspiration
If you’re looking for other Fall Recipe Inspiration then you’ll definitely want to check out our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread….Starbucks has nothing on this recipe, be sure to make 2 loaves!!!
Do you like Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies? Crispy, sugary bite on the outside and chewy spice on the inside, these are amazing cookies and perfect for fall too!
Step Into My Kitchen!
Hey there, fellow food enthusiast! Welcome to Mean Green Chef, where every dish tells a story and every recipe is a labor of love. I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself and the journey that led me here, stirring pots and sprinkling spices for over three decades!
This recipe is on my must-try list — they are so beautiful, and I love pears in any form anyway. How great to have this clear process for coloring and candy-ing them. I look forward to seeing if mine come out like yours. Great tips for long-term storage, too.
So glad you like these Beth and I bet yours will come out amazing! Please be sure to share the results with us when you are able 🙂