Delicious Poached Red Pear Zinfandel Recipe
Are you looking for a new dessert recipe that is both delicious and visually stunning? Look no further than the Poached Red Pear Zinfandel recipe. This recipe is perfect for any dinner party or holiday gathering.
Poaching pears in wine is not only a simple process, but it also infuses the fruit with the flavors of the wine and other ingredients used. In this recipe, we use a combination of red zinfandel wine, orange juice, orange peel, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, and sugar to create a spiced red wine that perfectly compliments the poached pears.
This dish can be enjoyed on its own, but can also be served with a scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream. The Poached Red Pear Zinfandel recipe is a classic twist on traditional pear dessert recipes and is sure to impress your guests. So why not give it a try at your next gathering?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful dessert to serve at your next dinner party, look no further than these red wine poached pears. Not only are they stunningly beautiful, but they are also packed with flavor and aroma that will delight your taste buds.
The use of red wine in this recipe elevates the flavor of the pears, giving them a rich and complex taste. The addition of cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla bean, honey, and even orange peel all create a spiced red wine that perfectly balances out the sweetness of the pears.
Simmering the pears slowly in this mixture allows them to absorb all of those delicious flavors and become tender and succulent. Plus, not only is this recipe a real showstopper on the dessert table, but it’s also entirely customizable depending on what type of wine you choose to use.
Using a classic white zinfandel wine will create a light and refreshing option if you prefer something less sweet or go for a bold red wine that will create richer, deeper flavors to pair with your meal. Regardless of which option you choose, everyone at your table is sure to love this beautiful and delicious dessert.
With its combination of beautiful presentation and mouthwatering flavors, this recipe is undoubtedly one that’s worth adding to your list of go-to fruit desserts. It’s also versatile enough that you can easily modify the recipe to fit any dietary restrictions or food preferences confidently.
So why not give it a try? I guarantee that once you’ve served up these perfectly poached pears with fresh mint leaves and come with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream paired alongside, your guests will be clamoring for more!
Ingredient List
Here are the Ingredients that you need for this delicious Poached Red Pear Zinfandel recipe:
- 2 cups red wine (preferably zinfandel)
- 1 1/2 cups white zinfandel wine or rose wine
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 strips orange peel (use a vegetable peeler to remove)
- Juice of 1/2 orange
- 8-10 firm but ripe red pears
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
The combination of different types of wines adds a unique flavor to the poached pears. You can use any fruity red wine instead of zinfandel wine. The addition of warm spices such as cinnamon and orange peel gives the dish a delightful aroma that makes your kitchen smell amazing. Make sure to select firm but ripe pears that hold their shape after being poached.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Poached Pears
– Peel and core 8-10 red pears leaving the stems intact.
– In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups of red wine, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, 1 cinnamon stick, and the zest of one orange peel.
– Bring to boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until sugar dissolves.
– Add the pears to the saucepan, making sure they are covered with liquid.
Step 2: Poach the Pears
– Over low heat, poach the pears for 25-30 minutes or until they are well-poached.
Step 3: Make the Spiced Red Wine Sauce
– In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups of rose wine, 2 cups of red wine, 3 tablespoons of sugar orange, 1 cinnamon stick, and 3 star anise.
– Bring to boil then reduce heat to low and let it simmer.
Step 4: Pour the Spiced Red Wine Sauce Over Pears
– Once the poached pears are ready, transfer them to a deep dish with stem sides facing up.
– Pour the spiced red wine sauce on top of the pears.
Step 5: Final Touches
– Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Enjoy your meal!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking is the ability to play around with different ingredients, and that’s certainly true for this poached pears in red wine recipe. Here are some possible substitutions and variations to try out:
– Wine: While this recipe specifically calls for red wine, you could swap it out for white zinfandel or even rose wine if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly.
– Spices: The spices in this recipe are cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, but feel free to experiment! You could add some nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for additional warmth and complexity.
– Sweeteners: This recipe uses a combination of honey and sugar, but you could try using only one or the other if you prefer. If you want to use a natural sweetener instead of granulated sugar, maple syrup or agave nectar could work well.
– Pears: While this recipe specifically calls for red pears, you could use other types of pears as well. Bosc pears are a good substitute since they hold their shape well when poached.
– Serving options: While these poached red wine pears are delicious on their own, you could also try serving them over ice cream, with whipped cream on top, or alongside other fruit desserts like baked pears with a wine sauce or mulled wine pears.
Overall, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and combinations; that’s what cooking is all about! Just be sure to adjust the cook time and other measurements as needed.
Serving and Pairing
These lovely and delicate poached red pear zinfandel are a perfect dessert on their own or can be paired with other complementary dishes. You can enjoy them as the finale of a holiday dinner or as a treat to share with friends and family on a special occasion.
To enhance the elegant flavors of the wine-poached pears, serve them alongside some fresh mint leaves that add lightness, refreshment, and aroma. Alternatively, you could top each pear with your favorite vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent twist that balances the poached sweetness of the fruit.
When it comes to pairing, this dish goes well with rich and bold red wines like zinfandel, which complement the deep flavor of the pears. However, if you prefer a lighter color wine, rose wine can also be a good option to balance the spice notes in this recipe. Serve your wine slightly chilled to make it an even more refreshing and vibrant pairing experience.
For additional variation, try switching up the spices or sweeteners used when poaching the pears. A white zinfandel wine or spiced red wine can also be used for poaching, giving a varying but still delicious result.
Overall, these tender and flavorful poached red pear zinfandels are versatile enough to pair with many different types of desserts and wines. They’re a great way to round out any meal on a sweet note!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This poached red pear zinfandel recipe is a great make-ahead dish for any dinner party or festive occasion. To make ahead, let the poached pears cool to room temperature and then refrigerate them in an airtight container along with the poaching liquid. The pears can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When ready to serve, gently reheat the pears and poaching liquid over low heat in a saucepan until everything is heated through. Be careful not to boil the pears as this could cause them to become mushy.
If you have leftover poached pears, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well, so feel free to store them in the freezer for a future use! To reheat frozen poached pears, simply let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the reheating directions above.
To jazz up your presentation, you can serve these wine-infused poached pears over vanilla ice cream topped with fresh mint leaves or whipped cream. Alternatively, they pair perfectly with some mulled wine on a cold winter’s evening.
With these storing and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy this delicious poached red pear zinfandel recipe any time of year. Happy cooking!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the poached red pear zinfandel recipe to perfection, there are some tips worth following. These tips ensure that your pears poached in wine come out beautifully cooked and infused with intense flavors.
First, make sure to choose the right type of pears for the poaching process. Ideally, bosc or another firm variety works best. Choose pears that are ripe yet firm enough to withstand the poaching process.
Second, be careful not to overcook the pears, as this will make them mushy and fall apart. It is important to keep a close eye on them while they are simmering in the poaching liquid and remove them once they have become tender but still hold their shape.
Third, when combining the ingredients for the poaching liquid, take care not to boil it too vigorously as this can evaporate some of the wine and sugar which will cause a thin sauce. Instead, bring it to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low so that it simmers gently.
Fourth, adding fresh herbs like mint leaves to your poached pear dish will give it an extra layer of taste and aroma. You can chop fresh mint leaves finely and sprinkle them on top of each pear before serving.
Fifth, serve your poached red pear zinfandel recipe warm or at room temperature alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delectable dessert.
Follow these tips for an impressive wine-poached pear dish that will impress your guests and leave you feeling confident in the kitchen.
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be common questions that come up. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about this delicious poached red pear zinfandel recipe!
Do you have to peel pears before poaching?
When preparing pears for poaching, it’s important to remove the skin so that the bitter flavor of the tannins doesn’t affect the taste. This can be done by using a vegetable peeler or paring knife to peel the skin away. Once the skin is removed, cut the pear in half vertically and scoop out the seeds using a melon baller or small spoon. By taking these steps, the pear will be better suited for poaching and will provide a more enjoyable taste.
What wine goes well with poached pear?
Late harvest dessert wines with a syrupy, honey-like texture can indeed make a pleasant match with poached pears. In particular, Muscat and Pinot Gris-based wines tend to complement this dish effortlessly. When preparing this dessert, I like to use a robust-skinned pear, such as Bosc, to guarantee that the juices stay trapped within the fruit. And let me tell you, the combination of the two is not only visually appealing but also irresistibly delicious.
How long will poached pears keep?
If you happen to have any leftover poached pears, you can preserve them in the fridge for a maximum of three days. Simply warm them up delicately in a saucepan with the poaching liquid over medium-low heat. In case it’s too thick, you can add a small amount of water to the mixture.
Will poaching pears soften them?
Have you ever tried poached fruit? This technique involves cooking fruit in a fragrant syrup, causing it to become tender and acquire a glossy, almost transparent look. The sweetness of the syrup seeps into the fruit, giving it structure both during and after cooking. As a result of poaching, pears become smooth and velvety to the touch.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an impressive and indulgent dessert recipe to add to your collection, then this poached red pear zinfandel recipe is a must-try!
With its delightful combination of fresh pears, spiced red wine, vanilla, and other complementing ingredients, this dish is sure to excite your taste buds and impress your guests. Its cozy and fruity flavors make it the ideal ending to any memorable meal.
And the best part? This recipe can be easily customized to suit your personal preferences by experimenting with different types of wine, spices, and sweeteners. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
So why not give this delicious poached red pear zinfandel recipe a try? It’s perfect for those cold winter nights when you want something sweet and comforting that will warm you up from the inside out.
Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for an extra special touch. Or pair it with your favorite mulled wine or baked pear recipe for the ultimate wine-inspired dessert experience.
Go ahead and take advantage of this delightful recipe today! Your taste buds will thank you.
Poached Red Pear Zinfandel Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe red pears (or other pear variety)
- 1 1/2 cups white zinfandel wine or 1 1/2 cups rose wine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons honey
- fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Core pears from bottom, leaving stem intact.
- Using a paring knife, peel a spiral channel from tip to bottom of fruit, if desired.
- Slice the very bottom off pears to allow them to stand upright.
- Stand pears up in the bottom of a large saucepan then add wine and vanilla.
- Bring mixture just to boiling.
- Reduce heat and simmer pears, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until pears are just tender.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer pears to four dessert dishes.
- Add sugar to liquid in pan and bring to boiling.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 12 minutes or until liquid is reduced to 2/3 cup and is the consistency of a thin sauce.
- Spoon sauce over pears.
- Drizzle honey on top.
- Serve warm or chilled.
- Garnish sauce on each plate with fresh mint leaves, if desired.