Food

This slightly sweet and sparkling pear cocktail from Canadian Living is perfect for celebrating any special occasion.

Ingredients

1 vanilla bean
1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar
2 Bartlett or Bosc pears, peeled
1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
3 oz (85 g) pear brandy, such as Poire William
1 bottle (750 mL) sparkling wine, chilled

Preparation

1. Using paring knife, halve vanilla bean; scrape out seeds and add to sugar, rubbing with fingers to combine. Set aside in shallow dish.
2. Using small end of melon baller, scoop out pear flesh to make 18 balls; toss with lemon juice. Strain, reserving juice; set aside.
3. Moisten rim of 6 chilled champagne flutes with reserved juice; press rim into vanilla sugar to coat.
4. Drop 3 pear balls into each glass. Pour 1 tbsp brandy into each; top up glasses with sparkling wine.

From Canadian Living Magazine: December 2013

Yield: 6 servings