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Are you looking for a decadent and elegant dessert to serve your guests? Look no further than this recipe for pears in red wine sauce. This dish is perfect for any special occasion, from holiday dinners to romantic evenings at home.
These pears are poached in a spiced red wine sauce that is infused with flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering in anticipation. And once you take a bite, you’ll be transported to a world of indulgence and luxury.
But don’t be intimidated by the sophistication of this dish. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, anyone can create a stunning dessert that is sure to impress. So let’s get started on making these divine wine-poached pears!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly poached pear. When the fruit is cooked just right, it becomes soft and delicate, allowing its sweet juice to mingle perfectly with the tangy-tartness of wine sauce. In this recipe, we take this classic French dessert and turn it up a notch by adding spices and aromatics to infuse the pears with bold flavors.
But here’s why you’ll really love this recipe: it’s easy to make and impresses everyone who tries it! With just a few ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can pull off this seemingly gourmet dessert. Speaking of ingredients, let’s dive into what you will need to make this wonderful dish.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that you will need to prepare these delicious red wine poached pears.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 ripe but firm pears, peeled and left whole with stem intact
- 4 cups dry red wine
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- Juice of 1 orange
- Peel of 1 orange
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 2 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
Optional ingredients for serving and pairing
- Mascarpone cheese
- Chocolate sauce
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
These ingredients are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, creating a flavorful and aromatic wine syrup for the poached pears. You can find most of the ingredients in your pantry, but if not, they can be easily found at any grocery store.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredient list, it’s time to start cooking! This Pears in Red Wine Sauce Recipe is a great dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a fancy dinner party.
Preparing the Pears
To begin, let’s prepare the pears. Start by peeling 4 cups of bosc pears and use a corer to remove the core from each pear.
Preparing the Spiced Red Wine
To make the spiced red wine:
– In a medium saucepan, bring to boil 2 cups of red wine along with 1 cup of orange juice and ½ cup of honey.
– Add one cinnamon stick, one vanilla bean, and two cloves.
– Reduce the heat and let it simmer for around 20-30 minutes until it becomes thicker.
Poaching the Pears in Red Wine Sauce
Once the spiced red wine is ready, add the prepared pears to the pan.
– Let them poach at low heat for around an hour until they are tender.
– Turn off the heat and let them cool off in their red wine sauce.
Creating the Red Wine Sauce
While you wait for your pears to poach, let’s make the red wine sauce:
– In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of arrowroot powder or potato flour and equal parts water to create a paste.
– Slowly pour this mixture into the spiced red wine sauce while whisking it well on medium heat.
– Heat up this mixture and watch it thicken up!
Serving and Pairing
When everything is ready, serve your pears warm or chilled according to your preference in individual bowls or plates with generous amounts of sauce spooned over them. These poached pears can be paired perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream or whipped cream on the side.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This dessert is great as you can make it in advance! The poached pears can be stored in their wine sauce up to a week in the fridge. When reheating, simmer them over low heat until they are warm again.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Use a good quality dry red wine with minimum sweetness.
- For a thicker sauce, use arrowroot powder instead of potato flour.
- For a sweeter sauce, add more honey.
- To save time, buy pears that are already peeled and cored.
FAQ
Q: How do I know when my pears have finished poaching?
A: You should be able to pierce them easily with a fork.
Q: Can I use white wine instead of red wine?
A: White wine is not recommended. The flavor profile will change completely and won’t pair well with the spices used.
Conclusion
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Substitutions and Variations
Looking to change things up a bit with this recipe? Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
– Pears: You can use any type of pear for this recipe, but Bosc pears work particularly well. You could also try using apples or quince instead.
– Wine: Feel free to experiment with different types of wine. A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well, but you could also try using a white wine instead. Just keep in mind that the flavor and color of the final dish will change depending on the wine you use.
– Sweetener: If you don’t have honey on hand, you could use maple syrup or agave nectar instead.
– Thickener: Arrowroot and potato flour are both good options for thickening the sauce, but you could also use cornstarch or another thickener of your choice.
– Spices: The combination of cinnamon, cloves, and apple pie spice is what gives this dish its warm, cozy flavor, but feel free to experiment with other spices as well. Nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom would all be delicious additions.
– Serving suggestions: This dish is perfect on its own as a light dessert, but it’s also great served over vanilla ice cream or with whipped cream. For something a little more decadent, try topping the poached pears with mascarpone cheese or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Whatever substitutions and variations you choose to make, remember that the key to a successful dish is balance. Make sure you’re not overpowering any one flavor or ingredient. And most importantly, have fun!
Serving and Pairing
This luxurious dessert is best served warm or at room temperature, and it’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to indulge in something sweet and rich. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream would be a lovely addition to the pears in red wine sauce.
When it comes to pairing with wine, go for the same type of red wine that you used in the recipe for a harmonious match. I recommend a dry red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. If you prefer something sweeter, try a dessert white like Riesling or Moscato.
For a more decadent dessert experience, serve these pears with some melted chocolate sauce or mascarpone cheese. You can also mix things up by trying different types of fruit, such as baked pears, Bosc pears, or peaches.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to take things up a notch, pair this dish with some mulled wine on a cold winter night. The warm spices in the poached pears will complement the cozy flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and honey in the mulled wine.
In conclusion, this elegant dish is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or with other accompaniments. So go ahead and let your creativity flow while serving and pairing these succulent pears in red wine sauce!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you want to save some time, the good news is that you can prepare these Pears in Red Wine Sauce in advance! You can poach them up to three days ahead and store them tightly covered in the refrigerator. The pears will soak up more flavor as they sit in the red wine sauce.
To reheat, gently warm the pears and sauce in a small saucepan, over low heat while stirring occasionally. Be mindful not to overheat the pears or let them simmer too long, as they may become mushy.
If you have leftover sauce, it can be stored separately for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can use it to create other recipes like spiced red wine and chocolate sauce or even pour it over ice cream.
Remember that flour and arrowroot do not freeze well, so avoid preparing a larger batch of this recipe if you plan on freezing it for later use.
Lastly, consider adding mulled white or red wine, baked pears or even whipped cream on top of your Pears in Red Wine Sauce for an indulgent yet delicious dessert. Bosc Pears are known to hold their shape even after cooking which makes them perfect for this recipe, but any sweet ripe pears would work here.
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the perfect results for this Pear in Red Wine Sauce recipe, it is essential to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, choose ripe and firm pears as they will hold their shape better while poaching. Also, make sure that the wine you use is a dry red wine as it helps to balance the sweetness of the dish. Here are some more tips to help you achieve the best outcome possible.
1. Use Arrowroot or Potato Flour
To thicken the sauce, arrowroot or potato flour can be used instead of cornstarch. These alternatives give a more natural taste and also help the sauce to thicken without getting lumpy.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pears
Keep an eye on the pears while poaching and ensure that they do not overcook. Overcooking can lead to the pears becoming mushy, which will affect both flavor and presentation.
3. Add Spices in Moderation
Clove and cinnamon stick are powerful spices, adding too much could overpower other flavors. Be conservative with these spices, so their taste complements instead of dominates.
4. Use Orange Peel Instead of Lemon Juice
Even though lemon juice is listed in many of the variations, using orange peel to add acidity gives this classic dessert an exciting twist.
5. Serve With Mascarpone or Chocolate Sauce
To elevate this dish, serve it with mascarpone or chocolate sauce, alongside delicious ice cream or even whipped cream.
Following these tips will ensure that your Pear in Red Wine Sauce recipe comes out perfectly every time you prepare it for your family and guests to enjoy!
FAQ
Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this delectable Pears in Red Wine Sauce Recipe.
What is poached pears in red wine in French?
A traditional sweet dish from France, known as Poached pears in wine or Poire à la Beaujolais, comes from the regions of Burgundy and Lyon, famous for their vineyards.
Do you have to peel pears before poaching?
When it comes to poaching pears, it’s best to remove the skin first to avoid the introduction of any bitter tastes. Peeling the pear with either a paring knife or vegetable peeler will do the trick. Once you’ve removed the skin, cut your pear in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a melon baller or spoon.
What wines pair well with pears?
Pairing Marsala, Gorgonzola, and Comice pears leads to a delectable blend. To complement this combination, Sauternes, a sweet white wine from France, is an ideal choice.
What are pears in red wine alla piemontese?
One classic Piemontese delicacy showcases the regional variety of pear called Martin Sec, by poaching it in red wine that is infused with sugar, cinnamon and cloves. This cooking method results in a dessert of pear poached in spiced red wine, which is commonly known as mulled wine or vino caldo.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, you can never go wrong with a delicious dessert that combines the sweet, juicy flavor of pears and the rich, indulgent taste of red wine sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for those who want to impress their guests with a delightful yet effortless dessert.
If you’re looking for a versatile dessert that can go well with various dishes or beverages, look no further than pears in red wine sauce. The luscious texture of the pears works perfectly with creamy mascarpone cheese, drizzled chocolate sauce or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also pair it with a glass of white wine or even mulled wine, depending on your mood and preferences.
With so many pear dessert recipes out there, it’s easy to get lost in the vast sea of choices. However, this recipe stands out because it not only looks great, but it also tastes amazing. Poached pears in spiced red wine sauce are sure to become a staple at any dinner party or family gathering. So why wait? Try out this delectable recipe today and see what all the fuss is about!
Pears in Red Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 grated rind and juice orange
- 1 1/4 cups red wine
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 4 firm ripe pears
- 1/2 teaspoon arrowroot or 1/2 teaspoon potato flour
- whipped cream, to serve
- 1 clove
Instructions
- bring a pan of water to a boil.(large enough to put your steamer in or a casserole dish).
- Meanwhile put the orange rind, juice, honey, wine, cinnamon stick, apple pie spice, vanilla bean and clove and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat.
- Peel pears, leaving stem intact, and cut off a small piece rom the bottom so the poears can stand up.
- Put into heatproof bowl or casserole dish and pour wine mixture over them.
- Cover the bowl or dish with tin foil and tie with kitchen string.
- Put the bowl in the steamer and cover with a tight fitting lid. Set the steamer over hte pan and steam for 35-40 min, until the pears are tender.
- Remove the pan from the steamer and let cool completely.
- Transfer to a serving dish standing upright.
- Remove the cinnamon stick, clove, vanilla bean from the wine mixture and bring to a nboil and cook til reduced by 1/2.
- Put the arrowroot or flour into the wine sauce and simmer gently, will make a paste. Remove from pan and let cool.
- Pour the wine sauce over the pears and chill for at least 3 hours.
- Top with whipped cream.