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poached pears recipe

Slow-Cooked Poached Pears

Indulge in these slow-cooked poached pears, a gourmet dessert with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Poached in a delicate blend of wine, vanilla, and spices, these pears offer a soft and creamy texture that delights the palate.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 firm but ripe pears Bosc or Anjou
  • 1 bottle of dry white wine or apple juice for non-alcoholic
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean split and scraped
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 cloves
  • Lemon peel
  • 2 cups of water

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Pears: Peel the pears, keeping the stems intact. Core the pears from the bottom using a melon baller.
  2. Make the Poaching Liquid: In a large saucepan, combine sugar, vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, cloves, lemon peel, and water. If using juice, substitute it for wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Poach the Pears: Gently place the pears into the poaching liquid. Cover with a round of parchment paper to keep the pears submerged.
  4. Cook the Pears: Let the pears cook for 30 to 40 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Slow cooking ensures they absorb the rich flavors.
  5. Reduce the Liquid: Once the pears are cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon. Increase the heat and reduce the poaching liquid until it becomes syrupy.
  6. Serve: Drizzle the reduced syrup over the pears. Serve warm or cold for a delightful dessert.

Notes

  • For added flavor, try using red wine for a richer taste.
  • Adjust sweetness by substituting sugar with honey or maple syrup.
  • Serve with a dollop of Mascarpone cheese or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture.