Terrine de poires au chocolat - The Everyday French Chef

Ingredients

• 6 pears, ripe but firm
• 3-1/2 tbsp. (50 g) salted butter
• 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
• 1 pound 2 ounces (500 g) high-quality dark chocolate
• 3 cups (7 dl) heavy cream (crème liquide)
• 1/4 cup high-quality unsweetened cocoa (such as Van Houten)
• 1 pinch piment d’Espelette or freshly ground black pepper
• 1-2 tbsp. Cognac or another brandy (optional)
• sea salt flakes (fleur de sel, Maldon) (optional)