Imagine transforming ordinary pears into a stunning dessert that looks like it belongs in a Parisian restaurant, yet is surprisingly simple to create. These mulled pears are a magical culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to the romantic streets of France, with a wine-infused syrup that turns humble fruit into a show-stopping finale to any meal. Prepare to impress your guests with a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, peeled
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- Crème fraîche for serving
Instructions
- Carefully peel the pears, keeping their stem intact and ensuring they remain whole and upright. Select firm but ripe pears for best results.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine red wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Create a poaching liquid by heating the mixture over medium heat, stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
- Gently place the peeled pears into the simmering wine mixture, ensuring they are standing upright and mostly covered by liquid. Reduce heat to low and maintain a gentle simmer.
- Poach the pears for approximately 20-25 minutes, carefully turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and color absorption. Pears should become tender but not mushy when pierced with a knife.
- Remove pears from liquid and set aside on a serving plate. Continue reducing the poaching liquid over medium-high heat until it becomes a slightly thickened syrup, about 5-7 minutes.
- Allow pears to cool slightly, then drizzle with reduced wine syrup. Serve warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a dollop of creamy crème fraîche beside each pear.
- Optionally, garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a small mint leaf for additional visual appeal and subtle flavor enhancement.
Tips
- • Choose firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou for the best texture and poaching results • Keep the stems intact for a more elegant presentation • Use a good quality red wine with some fruity notes for deeper flavor • Ensure pears are poached gently to maintain their shape and prevent breaking • Test pear tenderness by inserting a sharp knife - it should slide in smoothly • For an extra touch of sophistication, serve in elegant wine glasses or white plates • The reduced wine syrup can be made ahead and stored, intensifying its flavors • Experiment with different spices like cardamom or orange zest for unique variations
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 231kcal
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
