Indulge with our Pear and Red Wine Recipe
There are times when life calls for a little indulgence, and what better way to do so than with a delicious dessert? This recipe will help you create a dish that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth while also providing a touch of sophistication.
Introducing: Pears in Red Wine. This is not your average dessert; it is an elegant and flavorful treat that is perfect for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day or any dinner party. The recipe involves poaching ripe pears in spiced red wine, giving them an incredibly rich flavor that complements their natural sweetness.
As a pastry chef, I can attest that this dessert is nothing short of divine. The combination of cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and vanilla bean adds a unique depth of flavor making it a memorable experience for anyone who enjoys it. And the best part? This recipe can be easily made at home, no need for any fancy equipment or complex techniques.
So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to something special with these delicious poached pears in red wine? Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or just because you deserve it, this dessert is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are looking for a dessert that will blow your taste buds away, then let me introduce you to the heavenly combination of poached pears in spiced red wine. This recipe is not your average dessert. It’s a culinary masterpiece! Trust me, as a sommelier, I have tasted many desserts, but none compares to this.
The first thing that is likely to entice you about this dessert is how simple it appears to make. However, the flavors that come out of this easy-to-follow recipe are out of this world. With just eight ingredients at your disposal, including pears, dry red wine, cinnamon sticks, and sugar, you can create a savory dish that will have everyone at the table bursting with excitement.
Red wine poached pears make for an excellent Christmas or Thanksgiving dessert. However, they are versatile enough to be served all year round – on a cozy date night or whenever you feel like indulging in something special. This recipe is perfect as a standalone dessert or as part of a beautiful charcuterie board.
Trust me; the spiced red wine alone can ignite your holiday spirit with its warm aroma and flavor – hinting of oranges, cinnamon sticks and other spices. Couple the wine with tender and flavorful poached pears infused with cloves and lemon rind – oh my! You’ll transport your palate to another level.
If you want to take it further, pair the delicious poached pears with mascarpone cream or ice cream drizzled with dark chocolate sauce or whipped cream for an elevated and decadent experience. You can also experiment with white wine instead of red for amazing flavor combinations. The possibilities offered by this recipe are endless.
In conclusion, whether you follow the recipe instructions to a tee or add your spin into it for unique experience, one thing’s for sure; these poached pears in spiced red wine will become your new go-to dessert. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you for it!
Ingredient List
Below is the ingredient list needed to make this delicious recipe:
- 4 ripe pears, peeled and cored
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
Note: It is important to use ripe pears for this recipe to ensure they cook evenly and become tender. Additionally, you can use any dry red wine of your preference but make sure it is a high quality one as it will impact the flavor of the poached pears greatly.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s dive into the recipe How-To to make these delicious Wine-Poached Pears.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe pears, peeled and cored
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 lemon, juiced and zest strip removed
- 4 whole cloves
- 1/2 orange peel
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Steps:
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In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the 2 cups dry red wine, 1 cinnamon stick, 1/2 lemon, juiced and zest strip removed, 4 whole cloves, 1/2 orange peel and 1/2 cup sugar.
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Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture has infused with all the warm spices.
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Add in the prepared pears and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes until the fruit is tender.
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Remove from heat and let cool in the liquid, turning occasionally to coat well.
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Once cooled, remove the pears from poaching liquid using a slotted spoon.
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In a small saucepan over low heat, add some of the poaching liquid (about 1 cup) and reduce it until it thickens slightly (about a syrup consistency).
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Serve with spiced red wine syrup around or atop it for an indulgent dessert!
Tips:
To help them cook evenly, use pears of similar size.
For more intense spice flavors, soak the whole spices overnight in a little water.
This method is adaptable so feel free to use different kinds of spices or even fruits like peaches or plums.
Cooking time – Valentine’s Day Treat:
An advantage of poached pears is that you can make them in advance, which means that recipe is ideal for special occasions like Valentine’s Day.
Make the wine-poached pears a day before to take out the hassle of cooking on your special day. That day, you can spend time enjoying your loved one’s company instead of slaving in the kitchen. This glamorous dessert will impress your partner and spice up any night!
Serve with whipped cream or even vanilla mascarpone cream and drizzle with warm dark chocolate sauce for an upscale dessert.
This recipe is perfect for those who love to celebrate good times and good food. Whether it is shared with someone special or indulged alone, these Wine-Poached Pears are a treat that will sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Substitutions and Variations
If you are looking to switch up the flavors of this delicious poached pears recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to try. Here are some ideas:
– Instead of red wine, try using white wine for a lighter flavor.
– Add in some chopped fresh ginger or cardamom pods to the poaching liquid for an added kick of spice.
– Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
– Want a non-alcoholic version? Replace the wine with pomegranate juice or cranberry juice and omit the orange liquor.
– For a unique twist, try adding in diced apples or dried figs to the poaching liquid.
– To make this recipe even more indulgent, serve the poached pears with a dollop of mascarpone cream flavored with vanilla or cinnamon, drizzle with chocolate sauce, or serve alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
– If you don’t have whole cloves on hand, you can substitute ground cloves. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
– Don’t have oranges? Use lemon zest and juice in place of the orange peel and orange juice. You can also experiment with lime zest and juice.
Whichever variation speaks to you, these spiced red wine poached pears make for an elegant dessert or romantic Valentine’s Day treat.
Serving and Pairing
The delicious poached pears in spiced red wine recipe is a perfect dessert option that is sure to impress your dinner guests. The warm and comforting aroma of this dessert will fill the room and create a cozy atmosphere, making it perfect for those cold winter evenings.
To serve, it is best to plate the pear on a dish with some of the spiced red wine sauce drizzled over it. This will help to enhance the overall presentation and flavor of the dish. For added texture and crunch, you can top your poached pears with some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds.
When it comes to pairing, you can never go wrong with a glass of dry red wine. A nice bottle of Côtes du Rhône or Cabernet Sauvignon will perfectly complement the sweetness of the pears and balance out the spiced flavors in the sauce. If you prefer white wine, try Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
For those who are looking for a non-alcoholic option, a cup of hot tea or coffee would pair perfectly with this dessert. Some great options include cinnamon spice tea or dark roast coffee with a hint of caramel sweetness.
In addition, this dessert pairs amazingly with vanilla mascarpone cream or whipped cream, which adds an extra layer of richness to this delicious recipe. If you like chocolate, you could also add some chocolate sauce or sprinkle some grated dark chocolate over your poached pears for an indulgent touch.
Finally, if you are looking for other ways to enjoy this poached pear recipe, consider serving them for breakfast or brunch over a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt. Alternatively, baking them with maple syrup and brown sugar can be another exciting way to enjoy these delicious poached pears!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you plan on serving these delectable pears in red wine at a later time or storing them for future use, you’ll be happy to know that they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply let the pears cool in the poaching liquid and then transfer them, along with the liquid, into an airtight container.
If you want to make this recipe ahead of time or serve it at a later date, simply poach the pears and store them in the refrigerator until needed. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the poaching liquid for a few minutes over medium heat. The reheated pears will taste just as delicious as freshly poached ones.
To give your dessert an extra zing, you can even try serving these poached pears with vanilla mascarpone cream or drizzling some dark chocolate sauce over them. Alternatively, serving them alongside a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream can also enhance the flavor.
If you’re looking to get creative with this recipe, why not try making baked pears instead? By cutting your ripe pears in half and placing them in a baking dish, then pouring over a mixture of red wine, spices and sugar, you can achieve equally delicious results.
Whether served with warm mulled wine on chilly winter nights or as a sweet and sophisticated Valentine’s Day treat, these fragrant and juicy red wine poached pears are sure to impress any crowd. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dessert item or paired with other fruits and ingredients – such as white wine, orange peel or whole cloves – this easy-to-make recipe is versatile enough to suit any palate.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your pears in red wine recipe turns out perfectly, here are some tips to follow:
1. Choose the Right Wine: A dry red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, works best for this recipe. Avoid using sweet or fruity wines as they can make the dish overly sweet.
2. Use Ripe Pears: When choosing your pears, make sure they are fully ripe but not overripe. Overripe pears may fall apart during cooking, while underripe ones may not absorb the flavors of the poaching liquid.
3. Keep the Skin On: To add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your dish, consider leaving the skin on your pears when poaching. However, if you prefer, you can peel them before cooking.
4. Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time for your pears will depend on how ripe they are and how thick they are sliced. Keep an eye on them as they cook and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
5. Infuse More Flavor: To infuse more flavor into your poaching liquid, consider adding a cinnamon stick, whole cloves or star anise to the saucepan along with the other ingredients.
6. Reduce the Poaching Liquid: After you’ve removed the pears from the saucepan, continue to simmer the poaching liquid until it reduces by half or until it reaches a syrupy consistency. This will intensify its flavors and make it perfect for drizzling over the pears or even using as a sauce for other desserts.
By following these tips, you are sure to impress your guests with deliciously tender and flavorful poached pears in spiced red wine!
Bottom Line
As a dessert enthusiast, I highly recommend giving this pears in red wine recipe a try. Not only is it easy to make, but it also leaves you with a sense of fulfillment that only comes from indulging in something truly delicious.
With spiced red wine and poached pears as the stars of this recipe, there’s no doubt you’ll be impressed with the savory and sweet combination that pairs perfectly with mascarpone cream or a rich chocolate sauce.
Plus, with its versatility, you can easily whip up this recipe for date nights, dinner parties, or even just a cozy night in. Baked pears, mulled wine or pear dessert – this recipe has it all.
So why wait? Grab your apron and head to the kitchen to try out this delectable dish today. Trust me when I say that once you’ve tasted these pears in red wine, it will become an instant favorite!
Pears in Red Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 -10 small pears (Conference Pears preferably, but any would do)
- 8 ounces sugar
- 1/2 pint red wine (Burgundy type, although any red wine will work)
- 1/2 pint water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 slices lemon rind
Instructions
- Put sugar, wine, water, cinnamon, cloves and lemon rind in a large saucepan and heat gently until the sugar dissolves.
- Peel the pears leaving the stalks on.
- Cut off the core at the base. You are only cutting a small amount (5mm) to help the pears stand upright.
- Add pears to the saucepan.
- Cover and simmer gently for 20 - 25 minutes or until the pears are soft and coloured by the wine. (You can weight the pears down by an upside down cereal bowl to help them get coloured).
- Remove the pears carefully from the saucepan with a slotted spoon and place standing upright in a heatproof bowl or dish (I use a plastic Tupperware dish with a lid so that it can be put in the fridge later).
- Increase the heat and boil the liquid in the saucepan rapidly until the liquid reduces and it thick and syrupy. This can take between 10 and 20 minutes dependent on the quantity of liquid.
- Take the saucepan off the heat and allow to cool slightly. (Careful the sugary liquid is very hot).
- Strain the liquid to remove lemon rind and cloves and pour over the pears. (I hold a sieve over the pears to do this).
- When the pears and the syrup are quite cold chill in the fridge for several hours or overnight. Spoon the syrup over them from time to time this helps to give them more colour. (Again I weight them down with an upside down cereal bowl).