Description

Elegant Poached Pears offer a sophisticated and delightful dessert featuring tender pears gently simmered in a fragrant syrup of white wine, citrus zest, vanilla, and warming spices. Perfect for special occasions or a refined end to any meal, these pears can be served warm or chilled, accompanied by optional garnishes like whipped cream, ice cream, or chopped nuts for an added touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Scale

Poaching Liquid

3 cups water
1 cup dry white wine or apple juice
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 vanilla bean (split) or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4–5 whole cloves (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon or orange

Pears

4 firm but ripe pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), peeled, stems intact

Optional Garnishes

Whipped cream
Ice cream
Chopped nuts
Reduced poaching syrup

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Instructions

Prepare the poaching liquid: In a large saucepan, combine water, white wine or juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean or extract, cloves if using, and citrus zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves.
Poach the pears: Add the peeled pears with stems intact into the simmering poaching liquid. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan with a round piece of parchment paper or a lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Poach the pears for 20 to 30 minutes, gently turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Check tenderness by piercing with a knife—it should be tender but not falling apart.
Remove pears and reduce syrup: Using a slotted spoon, carefully lift the pears out of the poaching liquid and set them aside on a serving dish. Increase the heat to medium-high and boil the remaining liquid until it thickens and reduces to a syrupy consistency, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes.
Serve: Plate the pears warm or chilled according to preference. Drizzle each pear with the reduced poaching syrup. Add optional garnishes such as whipped cream, ice cream, or chopped nuts to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

For a richer color and deeper flavor, substitute dry white wine with red wine.
This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator in its poaching liquid to intensify flavors.
Choose apple juice instead of wine to keep the dessert alcohol-free and suitable for all guests.
To maintain a vegan dessert, avoid using whipped cream or ice cream or select plant-based alternatives.