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Spiced Red Wine Poached Pears

Spiced Red Wine Poached Pears

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Italy with our Spiced Red Wine Poached Pears—a dessert that promises to elevate any dining experience! Picture ripe, succulent pears gently simmered in a fragrant blend of red wine, aromatic spices, and zesty orange, transforming a simple fruit into an elegant treat. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is your ticket to a culinary masterpiece that’s as delightful to behold as it is to savor. Ready to discover how to create this stunning dish? Let’s dive into the details!

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 4 ripe pears, peeled
  2. 2 cups red wine
  3. 1/2 cup sugar
  4. 1 cinnamon stick
  5. 4 whole cloves
  6. Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

  1. Carefully peel the pears, keeping their elegant shape intact. Try to leave the stem attached for a more beautiful presentation, if possible.
  2. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine red wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and orange zest. Stir gently to help sugar dissolve.
  3. Place the peeled pears upright in the wine mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged. If needed, add a bit more wine to cover.
  4. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Do not allow to boil, as this can cause pears to break down or become mushy.
  5. Reduce heat to low and let pears poach slowly, turning occasionally to ensure even color and absorption of spices. Cooking time will be approximately 20-25 minutes.
  6. Check pear tenderness by inserting a sharp knife into the thickest part. They should be soft but not falling apart.
  7. Once cooked, carefully remove pears and set aside. Increase heat and reduce remaining liquid into a syrupy consistency.
  8. Serve pears warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the reduced wine syrup. Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or serve with vanilla ice cream.

Tips

  1. Choose the Right Pears: Opt for firm, ripe pears such as Bosc or Anjou, which hold their shape well during cooking and offer a sweet, juicy flavor.
  2. Presentation Matters: For an elegant touch, leave the stems on the pears while peeling them. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also makes for an impressive presentation.
  3. Control the Heat: Keep the poaching liquid at a gentle simmer—too much heat can cause the pears to break down and lose their beautiful form.
  4. Flavor Infusion: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or a few slices of fresh ginger to the poaching liquid.
  5. Syrup Consistency: When reducing the wine mixture, keep an eye on the texture. You want it to become syrupy but not too thick; it should easily drizzle over the pears.
  6. Serve with Style: Elevate your dish by serving the poached pears warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the reduced syrup. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a delightful finishing touch!

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 229kcal

Carbohydrates: 49g

Protein: g

Fat: g

Saturated Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

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