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Elegant Spiced Red Wine Poached Pears

A single, whole poached pears, deeply stained red by wine syrup, resting in a pool of rich sauce on a white plate.
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Create a sophisticated and tender fruit dessert with these simple Spiced Red Wine Poached Pears. This recipe uses basic ingredients to achieve a rich, jewel-toned color and deep flavor, perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Ingredients

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  • 4 firm pears (Bosc or Anjou), peeled, stems left on
  • 3 cups dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • 1 strip orange zest (about 2 inches long)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pears: Peel the pears carefully, leaving the stems intact for presentation. You can leave them whole or slice them in half lengthwise, scooping out the core with a melon baller or small spoon.
  2. Combine poaching liquid: In a saucepan large enough to hold the pears snugly, combine the red wine, water, sugar, vanilla bean (scrape the seeds into the liquid and add the pod), cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange zest.
  3. Simmer the liquid: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Poach the pears: Gently place the prepared pears into the simmering liquid. The liquid should mostly cover the pears. If needed, place a small piece of parchment paper directly on top of the liquid to keep the pears submerged.
  5. Cook until tender: Reduce the heat to low and maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 25 to 40 minutes, turning the pears occasionally, until they are tender when pierced with a thin knife. Cooking time depends on the ripeness and size of your pears.
  6. Cool and reduce: Carefully remove the pears from the liquid and set them aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and boil the remaining liquid rapidly. Reduce the liquid until it thickens slightly into a light syrup, about 15 to 20 minutes. Discard the spices and vanilla pod.
  7. Serve: Serve the warm or chilled poached pears drizzled generously with the reduced red wine syrup. These poached pears are excellent served with vanilla ice cream or crème anglaise.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1/2 cup of the red wine with 1/2 cup of bourbon or brandy before simmering.
  • If you prefer a lighter dessert, use Moscato or white wine instead of red wine.
  • To ensure the pears cook evenly, try to select pears that are similar in size and firmness.
  • This elegant fruit dessert can be made up to three days ahead; store the pears submerged in the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/poached-pears-elegant-fruit-dessert-recipe/