Pear,Chocolate and Almond Crumble

It is time to Punch!!Yes,our December Punch is here again and I am happy to be hosting it this time.Our challenge was a Crumble/Cobbler this month and I chose a Pear,Chocolate and Almond Crumble.

A crumble is a dish of  British origin that can be made in a sweet or savoury version, depending on ingredients used. A sweet variety usually contains stewed fruit topped with a crumbly mixture of fat(usually butter),flour and sugar.It is often served with custard,cream or ice-cream as a hearty, warm dessert after a meal.Popular fruits used in crumble include Apple,Blackberry,Peach,Rhubarb and Plum.[Source]

Few months back,I didn't know what a crumble was and now I am a convert.I love the flavor of caramelized fruits topped with the delicious crumble topping.I have tried an Apple Crumble version here.This recipe is almost similar but with a slight twist.Chocolate makes anything better,so I believe and it is true in this Crumble too.Little bites of chocolate in between crunchy crumble and soft pears,absolute YUM!!

Pear,Chocolate and Almond Crumble
Recipe minimally adapted from here

Ingredients

Pears - 2-3,peeled and chopped

Sugar - 3 tbsp

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

Chocolate - 50 gms,roughly chopped

For the Crumble

Flour - 1/2 cup

Butter - 50 gms[I used only half and a bit more of it,so about 35 gms]

Sugar - 3 tbsp

Almonds - 1/4 cup,roughly chopped[measured after chopping]

Chocolate - 50 gms,roughly chopped 

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Grease an oven proof glass dish or a pie dish or individual ramekins.

In a medium bowl, mix together the pears,sugar, lemon zest and juice, and half the chocolate.

Divide the mixture between the glass dish or ramekins, spooning over any juice.

To make the crumble, place the flour and butter in a medium bowl and, with your fingertips, rub together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar, almonds and remaining chocolate.
Spoon the crumble over the pears and press down lightly. 
Place the crumbles on a baking tray and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbling.