Introduction

Red Wine Poached Pears are a sophisticated and elegant dessert that combines the rich flavors of red wine with the natural sweetness of ripe pears. This classic dessert is not only visually stunning but also offers a delightful balance of flavors. The pears are poached in a spiced red wine syrup until tender and infused with a deep, complex taste. Perfect for special occasions or a refined end to a meal, this recipe will help you create a gourmet dessert that’s both impressive and delicious.

Ingredients

  • 4 ripe pears, preferably Bosc or Anjou
  • 2 cups red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for added sweetness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pears

  • Peel and Core: Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Use a melon baller or a small spoon to remove the core from the base of each pear, being careful not to break them.

2. Make the Poaching Liquid

  • Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, granulated sugar, water, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and lemon juice. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
  • Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Poach the Pears

  • Add Pears: Gently place the prepared pears into the simmering wine mixture. The pears should be mostly submerged. If necessary, cover the saucepan to help the pears cook evenly.
  • Cook: Poach the pears for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender but still hold their shape. Cooking time may vary depending on the ripeness of the pears.

4. Reduce the Syrup

  • Remove Pears: Once the pears are tender, carefully remove them from the saucepan and set them aside on a plate.
  • Reduce Syrup: Increase the heat to medium-high and let the remaining wine mixture simmer until it reduces to a thicker syrup, about 10-15 minutes. If desired, stir in the honey for additional sweetness.

5. Serve

  • Plate the Pears: Arrange the poached pears on serving plates or a serving dish.
  • Drizzle Syrup: Spoon the reduced wine syrup over the pears. Serve warm or chilled, as desired.

Tips for Perfect Red Wine Poached Pears

  • Choose Ripe Pears: Use ripe but firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during poaching.
  • Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the syrup by adding more or less sugar or honey, according to your taste.
  • Enhance Flavor: Experiment with additional spices like star anise or a splash of orange liqueur for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Red Wine Poached Pears are a sophisticated dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. The tender pears, infused with the rich flavors of red wine and spices, create a dessert that’s both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special treat at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a gourmet dessert that’s sure to be a hit.