Ingredients:
8 ounces chocolate, coarsley chopped
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup pear liqueur or pear nectar
4 small pears (1 lb. total)
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 quart vanilla ice cream

Preparation:
1. In a small saucepan combine chocolate, water, and the 1/4 cup sugar. Melt chocolate over low heat, stirring slowly and constantly. Stir in pear liqueur or nectar. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Peel pears, if desired; cut into quarters (If using large pears, use only 2 pears and cut into fourths.) 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.
3. 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
Start to finish: 30 minutes