Delicious and Easy Pears in Spiced White Wine Recipe
As a sommelier, I’ve had some of the most exquisite wines from around the world. But sometimes, it’s not just about the wine itself, but also how it’s used to enhance a dish. And that’s exactly what I want to share with you today: a beautiful recipe for pears in spiced white wine.
This dessert is truly one of my favorites. The sweet and juicy pears are cooked to perfection in a mixture of white wine, vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, cloves, and sugar. Each bite is infused with warm and comforting spices that perfectly complement the delicate flavor of the pears.
But what really sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can prepare this dessert ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. And when it comes to serving options, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking for an elegant finish to a fine-dining experience, a dessert to impress your guests at your next dinner party or just looking for a tasty snack; these spiced white wine poached pears will never disappoint.
So let’s get started on this culinary adventure together! Gather your ingredients and join me as we bring a little bit of decadence into our lives with this delectable dessert recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a decadent dessert that will have everyone raving at your next dinner party? Look no further than these Pears in Spiced White Wine. This recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and spiced flavors that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
The delicate and juicy pears are poached to perfection in wine, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla bean, infusing them with rich and complex tastes. These poached pears are not only incredibly delicious and visually appealing with their warm and delicate hues, but they are also easy to make with only a handful of ingredients needed.
Not convinced yet? This recipe offers a versatile twist on traditional white wine poached pears by adding warming spices that are perfect for the fall and winter seasons. The aroma of spiced wine simmering away on the stove is sure to set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
Not only is this dessert an impressive way to end a fine dining meal, but it also lends itself well to more casual settings. You can serve it with ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting weeknight treat or dust some powdered sugar over it and enjoy it as a balanced breakfast that is packed with vitamins from fruit.
So why not impress your guests (or yourself!) with this heavenly dessert? Indulge yourself in this decadent dessert and experience the flavors that you’ll keep coming back to every year.
Ingredient List
Let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need for this delectable dessert. You’ll need fresh, ripe pears, white wine, and a few warming spices to bring out the flavor. Take note that you can tailor the type of wine used in the recipe based on your preference. I used chardonnay for mine, but you can substitute it with red wine if that’s more your style. For this Pears in Spiced White Wine Recipe, here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 cups of white wine
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Peel from 1 lemon (removed using a vegetable peeler)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 vanilla bean, split in half and seeds scraped out
- 2 cardamom pods
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1/2 cup sugar
For the pears:
- 3 to 4 fresh pears, peeled and cored
Note that these amounts can be adjusted based on how many pears you plan to serve or how big your slow cooker or saucepan is.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s dive into the recipe! Follow the step-by-step guide to create these delightful spiced white wine poached pears.
Ingredients Needed:
- 3 cups white wine
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves
- 4 cardamom pods
- 2 star anise
- 6 peeled and cored pears
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, combine the white wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean, lemon zest, cloves, cardamom pods, and star anise. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- While you are waiting for the mixture to simmer, begin peeling and coring the pears.
- Reduce heat to low and add the pears into the liquid making sure they are mostly submerged. Let them cook uncovered for 25 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, carefully remove them from the poaching liquid and transfer them into a separate bowl.
- On high heat, allow the leftover poaching liquid to boil for 15 minutes so that the flavors become more concentrated.
- Once concentrated, remove all of the spices and continue boiling until it becomes syrupy – this is now your spiced white wine reduction sauce.
- Strain this liquid again so that it separates cleanly from solid bits of spices.
- Drizzle your spiced white wine reduction sauce over your pear dish and serve it warm.
These pears look gorgeous on a serving platter and I guarantee they will impress at any dinner party or occasion. However, if there happens to be any left over (which there probably won’t be!), they keep well covered in stored in the fridge for up to one week.
Substitutions and Variations
As a sommelier, I’m all about experimenting with different variations of a recipe to make it my own. Here are some substitutions and variations you can use to customize this recipe to your liking.
– Wine: If you don’t have white wine on hand, red wine can work just as well! Try using a lighter red like pinot noir or a fruity Beaujolais. You can also use mulled wine for an extra spiced kick.
– Spices: Don’t be afraid to mix up the spices in your poaching liquid. Swap out the cardamom for star anise, or try adding some ginger or nutmeg. Lemon zest can also be replaced with orange zest for a brighter, zingier flavor.
– Sugar: I recommend using white granulated sugar for this recipe, but brown sugar or honey can work too. They’ll add a more complex sweetness to the dish.
– Pears: While this recipe calls for Bosc pears, you can use any type of pear you have on hand. Just make sure they’re ripe and firm for the best results.
– Serving: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve the poached pears with mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of honey. Or, pair them with vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
Remember that there’s no right or wrong way to make this recipe your own – experiment until you find the perfect combination of flavors!
Serving and Pairing
This Spiced White Wine Poached Pears recipe would make the perfect ending to a fine dining meal or as an impressive dessert to serve to your guests. Once cooked, the pears can either be served hot or cold, depending on your preference.
To take this dessert to the next level, you can pair it with some lightly sweetened mascarpone cheese or whipped cream. The creaminess of the mascarpone and the sweetness of the poached pears complement each other beautifully.
As for pairing with wines, a classic option would be to serve these wine-poached pears with a glass of mulled white wine or red wine. The warm spices in both of the beverages will harmonize perfectly with the spiced poached pears.
For those who don’t consume alcohol, this recipe can be made using non-alcoholic white grape juice instead of white wine. It will impart a similar flavor to the dish while offering a non-alcoholic beverage option.
Whether you are looking for a show-stopping dessert for your fine dining soirée or just want an indulgent treat, this Spiced White Wine Poached Pears recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you are short on time for preparing this elegant dessert, no worries as you can make it ahead of time. These spiced white wine poached pears can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover them with cling film and spray some lemon juice to prevent browning.
When reheating this dish, it’s best to do so gently by adding the pears along with the sauce into a saucepan over low heat. This will help to retain the flavor and texture without overcooking the pears.
Additionally, if you want your poached spiced white wine pears ready quickly, you can prepare them using a slow cooker. Simply add all the recipe ingredients, except the pears themselves, into a slow cooker and place peeled pears in after about an hour later. Cook until tender or for approximately 4-6 hours.
You can serve these spiced white wine poached pears either hot or cold, depending on your preference. They’re perfect for any occasion – from a fancy dinner party to a simple, cozy night in. Don’t forget to top them off with some mascarpone cheese and sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.
So why not add these delicious poached spiced white wine pears to your list of make-ahead desserts? Impress your guests with this flavorful treat and make fine dining more accessible at home.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a sommelier, I have learned that the perfect wine pairing can make a meal truly memorable. Likewise, ensuring that a recipe turns out perfectly can take it from good to exceptional. Here are some tips for achieving flawless results with your spiced white wine poached pears recipe:
Firstly, make sure the pears are well peeled before they are added to the spiced white wine mixture. This will ensure that the flavors of the spices and white wine can penetrate the fruit and infuse it completely.
Secondly, when simmering the spiced white wine mixture, be careful not to let it come to a full boil as that may cause the pears to break apart or become mushy. A gentle simmer is all that is required for perfectly poached pears.
Thirdly, try using different varieties of white wine to add depth and complexity to the final dish. For example, you can use a chardonnay for a buttery flavor or an albariño for a crisp freshness.
Fourthly, if you want to infuse even more flavor into your poached pears, try adding a few cardamom pods or star anise alongside the cinnamon stick and cloves.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different serving options. Spiced white wine poached pears can be served warm or cold; on their own or with toppings like mascarpone cheese or baked crumble toppings. Get creative and have fun with it!
By following these simple tips, your spiced white wine poached pears will turn out flawlessly every time, making for a dessert that is sure to impress at any fine dining table.
FAQ
As we near the end of this recipe article, I wanted to address some common questions that may arise when making spiced white wine poached pears. Let’s dive into some FAQs and ensure that you have all the information you need to create a delicious dessert.
What spices go well with pears?
My repertoire of flavors includes a mix of herbs and spices such as anise, cinnamon, ginger, and thyme. I’m also fond of indulgent ingredients like almonds, caramel, and chocolate, and possess a sweet tooth for honey, maple syrup and vanilla. I am not opposed to a splash of brandy or wine, whether it’s red or white, for an added depth of taste. Furthermore, I enjoy a variety of nuts, such as hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts. In short, my palate is versatile and craves a diverse range of flavors.
What wines pair well with pears?
When it comes to pairing wine with dessert, the sweet flavors of Sauternes from France cannot be beat. This luxurious wine is the perfect complement to an indulgent dessert like a Marsala, Gorgonzola, and Comice pear dish. The combination creates a delicious and unforgettable experience for the palate.
What is pear Flavour in wine?
The flavor of Beaujolais Nouveau is frequently described as pear drop by British wine writers. This term may not be familiar to those in North America, as pear drops refer to a type of traditional British candy known as boiled sweets or hard candy in America.
Do I have to peel pears before baking?
Baking pears in the oven is an effortless way to prepare them, and I personally love it. One question that pops up frequently is whether or not you need to peel the pears before baking them. However, it’s good to know that there’s no need to remove the peel as it softens beautifully during the baking process.
Bottom Line
I hope you’ve found this recipe for Pears in Spiced White Wine as delightful as I have! Not only is it an incredibly satisfying fall dessert, it also has the added bonus of being a low-effort and affordable option for fine dining or entertaining. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of cheeses and crackers.
Whether you choose to serve these pears with mascarpone cheese or on their own, the spiced white wine brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit and perfectly complements the warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep required, this recipe is perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself to something special during the colder months.
So why not give this recipe a try? With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s truly a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your budget. Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions or variations to make it your own – after all, cooking is all about expressing your creativity and having fun in the kitchen!
Thanks so much for reading, and happy cooking!
Pears in Spiced White Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pears (firm)
- 500 ml white wine
- 100 g sugar
- 1/2 vanilla bean, cut lenghtwise
- 1 cinnamon stick (about 2 inches)
- 2 cloves
- 1 lemon, juice of
- 1/2 lemon, zest of
Instructions
- Combine white wine, sugar, spices and peel of lemon in a suited pot.
- Heat up but do not let it boil.
- Meanwhile put the lemon juice into a bowl.
- Peel the pears and quarter them lenghtwise. Core them. Put them into the bowl with lemon juice to avoid browning.
- After you have prepared all pears this way add them and the lemon juice to the wine mixture.
- Poach the pears for about 10 - 15 minutes, but don't let them boil. The pears should be soft, but still a bit firm at the end.
- Put the pears into a suited preserving jar and cover them with white wine brew. Do not remove the spices.
- Store them in the fridge for at least 12 hours to blend all the flavors.
- Enjoy.
- NOTE: there might be more white wine brew than you need. Put it in the fridge and enjoy it cold with a bit of ice and a lemon wedge.
- SERVING: Serve the pears at room tempearture with a dollop of your favorite ice cream for an easy dessert. Add some of the white wine brew to it.
- NOTE: try these pears also in an easy pear cake or tarte. The peares will be soft and their flavor will blend into the cake and will make it moist.
- Cooking time does not include time for cooling.