Chocolate Ricotta-Filled Pears

Luscious ripe pears filled with a sweet chocolate-ricotta filling...

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 6 pears

Ingredients

• 1  cup low-fat ricotta cheese
• 1⁄2 cup powdered sugar
• 1  tablespoon  unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2  tablespoons  miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 1  teaspoon  orange rind, finely shredded
• 3  large pears (Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett)
• 2  tablespoons  orange juice
• 2  tablespoons  slivered almonds or 2  tablespoons  sliced almonds, toasted
•  orange rind, curls (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl beat the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Stir in chocolate pieces and the shredded orange peel. Set aside.
2. Peel the pears; cut in half lengthwise and remove the cores. Remove a thin slice from the rounded side of each pear half so the halves will sit flat. Brush the pears all over with orange juice.
3. To serve, place the pear halves on 6 dessert plates. Spoon the ricotta mixture on top of the pears and sprinkle with almonds. If desired, garnish with orange curls.