Pear Patrick Dessert: It’s a Day to Color It Green . . . Irish or Not

The leprechauns are about, and it’s time to celebrate the wearing o’ the green. St. Patrick’s Day is always a special day whether you’re Irish or not, and Pear Patrick Dessert will be a delightful addition to holiday dinner menu.

PEAR PATRICK DESSERT

1 (16-ounce) can pear halves

1 (3-ounce) package lime gelatin

1 cup boiling water

1/2 cup cold water

1/2 cup whipping cream

2 teaspoons powdered sugar

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Lime slices

Drain pears, reserving 1/2 cup pear syrup and 3 pear halves. Dice remaining pears and dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in cold water and reserved pear syrup. Pour 3/4 cup gelatin in 1-quart shamrock mold.

Arrange pear halves in shamrock shape in bottom of mold. Chill until gelatin is almost set. Chill remaining gelatin until it reaches consistency of egg whites.

Whip cream, adding sugar, and fold into thickened gelatin. Fold in diced pears and nuts. Pour over layer of pears in mold and chill until firm. Garnish with lime slices. Makes 6 to 8 servings.