How to make the perfect poires belle Hélène – recipe | Felicity Cloake's How to make the perfect …

This article discusses the classic French dessert Poires Belle Hélène, a dish consisting of vanilla-scented poached pears, vanilla ice cream, hot chocolate sauce, and a crunchy garnish. The author, Felicity Cloake, reflects on her recent discovery of the dessert's namesake, Offenbach’s 1864 operetta La Belle Hélène, which tells the story of Helen of Troy. The dessert was created by the renowned French chef Escoffier, who was inspired by the operetta and its popularity among Parisian diners, naming it after the work's heroine. While Escoffier named several dishes after the operetta, this particular combination of pears and chocolate has remained popular, with Nigel Slater noting their "extraordinary" compatibility. The article highlights the enduring appeal of this simple yet sumptuous pudding.