Name: Parmesan Cloaks
Cook time: 1 hr
Total time: 1 hr
Yield: Makes about 40 wafers
Ingredients: 1 oz finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/2 cup); 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal; 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg white, at room temperature for 30 minutes; 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature; 2 nonstick baking sheets or shallow baking pans; a muffin tin with 6 (1/2-cup) muffin cups

Though you need only 10 cloaks to top the pears, these melt-in-your-mouth wafers are so delicious, your guests will clamor for seconds. If you don't have time to turn the wafers into cloaks, simply make flat tuiles and serve them on the side.

Cooks' note:

Onions can be fried 6 hours ahead and kept, uncovered, at room temperature.

Recipe notes

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