Pear ice lolly
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Instructions
Questions about pear ice lolly
Wondering how to make your pops even better? Find answers to common questions below. Learn how to use different ingredients and master the art of layering so your ice lollies turn out as tasty as they are refreshing.
Yes, canned pears are a suitable alternative for ice lollies when fresh pears aren't available. For the best results, be sure to drain the pears and rinse off the syrup to avoid overly sweetening your lollies. Canned pears offer convenience and can help you save time while still making a tasty frozen treat.
If you're looking to switch up the crunch factor in your pear ice lollies, you have a few tasty alternatives to granola. Crushed nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans can add a delightful nutty texture. You can also experiment with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist, crushed banana cookies or even granola bars for a similar flavour but slightly softer texture. Whichever option you choose, it's sure to add a satisfying crunch to complement the creamy skyr base of your ice lollies.
Creating a pear ice lolly that delights both the eye and the palate starts with skilful layering. For distinct, clean layers, begin by preparing the skyr and pear mixture as directed in the recipe. Then, pour a layer of the mixture into each ice lolly mould, filling them about one-third of the way full. Place the moulds in the freezer for about 30 minutes to allow the first layer to partially freeze. Once the first layer is set, pour the next layer (skyr mixed with fresh fruit) and return the moulds to the freezer for another 30 minutes, again allowing it to partially freeze. Repeat this process with additional layers if desired, alternating flavours and freezing in between until the moulds are filled. Insert the sticks and freeze until solid. Once frozen, you'll have beautifully layered pear ice lollies ready to enjoy, with each bite offering a delightful combination of flavours.
Ingredients
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Poached pear
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600 g |
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Vanilla essence (optional)
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1 tsp |
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Berry mix (or fruit of your choice)
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1 handful |
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Granola
|
6 tbsp |
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Honey
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2 tbsp |
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Select ripe pears for a natural sweetness
To make your ice lollies full of flavour, select ripe and juicy pears. This will bring out the natural sweetness and result in a smooth puree, perfect for your lollies. Check by pressing gently near the stem; the pear should give a little. Don’t be afraid of using slightly overripe pears as their extra sweetness makes them perfect for blending into the mix.
Avoid very firm pears, as they might not blend well and could make the texture gritty. On the other end of the scale, also avoid very overripe pears as they can brown quickly, affecting the vibrant colour of your ice lollies.
Storing techniques for later snacking
Store your pear ice lollies in an airtight container or wrap them well to keep air out. They will stay fresh for up to two months in the freezer. This ensures you can enjoy their flavour and texture long after you make them.
For best freshness, mark the date you made them on the container. When you feel like having one, just take out what you need and put the rest back in the freezer right away. This keeps them tasting great and avoids freezer burn, so your treats are always ready for a refreshing break.
Enhancing flavour with infusions
Adding aromatic spices to your pear poaching liquid is an easy way to boost flavour. Simmer the pears with cinnamon, star anise, or cardamom to infuse them with warm, rich aromas that enhance the taste.
Choose your spices carefully to match the pear's subtle flavour. Cinnamon brings a comforting warmth, star anise adds a liquorice depth, and cardamom offers a refreshing zing. Add these spices to the poaching liquid and let them simmer to extract their oils and blend with the fruit's flavour. Remove the spices before blending the pears to keep the lolly texture smooth.
If you like to try new things, infuse the liquid with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a bit of citrus peel for a tangy kick. Balance the spice intensity to keep the pear flavours in harmony. With practice, you can infuse your ice lollies with gourmet flavours that offer a refreshing and memorable taste.
What can I use instead of honey?
If you prefer to swap out honey in this recipe, there are several sweet alternatives to consider. Agave nectar offers a similar sweetness and consistency to honey, making it a popular option. Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy skyr. You can also use date syrup or coconut nectar, both of which will add a distinct flavour profile to your snack. No matter which substitutes you choose, it will provide the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the tangy skyr.
Making pear ice lollies for larger gatherings
Scaling up this recipe for larger gatherings is a breeze with a few adjustments. Firstly, increase the quantities of all ingredients proportionally based on the number of people you're expecting. For example, the original recipe serves eight so if you're expecting twenty guests, multiply all ingredients by 2.5.
Consider using an electric blender or food processor for smoother mixing when dealing with larger batches. To streamline the process, prepare the mixture ahead of time and pour it into ice lolly moulds, then freeze overnight. This not only saves time on the day but also ensures your pear ice lollies are perfectly frozen and ready to impress with their creamy texture and refreshing flavour.
Transform leftovers into new snacks
Transforming leftover pear ice lollies into new snacks is a creative way to enjoy these delicious treats in different ways. One idea is to repurpose the mixture into smoothie bowls by blending it with additional fruits like berries or bananas until smooth, then topping with granola, sliced fruits and a drizzle of honey or nut butter.
Alternatively, you can pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze them to make skyr ice cubes. These can be added to smoothies for a quick and creamy twist. With a little creativity, your leftover ice lolly mixture can be transformed into a variety of delicious snacks to enjoy throughout the week.