Delicious Wine Poached Pears Recipe
Are you looking for a dessert that is both simple to make and impressive for your guests? Look no further than this Wine Poached Pears with Cinnamon Ice Cream recipe. This elegant dessert not only looks stunning but also tastes delicious.
Picture it: a ruby-red poached pear topped with a scoop of silky cinnamon ice cream, drizzled with a spiced red wine sauce. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds dancing.
Not only is this recipe a showstopper, but it is also effortless to prepare. Just simmer the pears in a flavorful mixture of red wine, sugar, and spices until tender, then top them off with creamy cinnamon ice cream. You can even make the poached pears ahead of time and whip up the ice cream just before serving.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a special treat after a long day, this Wine Poached Pears with Cinnamon Ice Cream recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and get ready to create a deliciously indulgent dessert that your guests will be talking about for weeks to come.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for Wine Poached Pears with Cinnamon Ice Cream is not just another dessert, it’s an experience. The combination of the spiced red wine sauce and the creamy cinnamon ice cream perfectly complements the tender and juicy Bosc pears.
If you’re a fan of desserts that are both sweet and elegant, this recipe will give you everything you want and more. The poached pears are made by cooking them in red wine with a blend of spices like whole cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and orange zest. The result is pure bliss that soothes your taste buds with every bite.
The dessert doesn’t stop there- you’ll also be making a creamy cinnamon ice cream to serve alongside the wine-poached pears. When paired together, they create a duo that is hard to resist. Imagine indulging in silky-smooth vanilla ice cream with subtle notes of cinnamon and orange zest, melting onto the deliciously spiced red wine sauce. It’s like heaven in each bite!
Not only is this recipe simple to make, but it’s also versatile enough for any palate preference. You can use different types of wines such as white or port wine to achieve different flavor profiles. You could also try a white wine poached pear dessert recipe or add fruits like apples or dried figs for an added twist of sweetness.
All in all, this wine-poached pear recipe is one you’ll come back to time after time. It’s perfect for entertaining guests or just indulging on a quiet night at home because it’s so easy to make and tastes divine! It’s great for when you want something special but don’t have all day to cook something complicated. Trust me -when you take your first bite of these wine-poached pears with cinnamon ice cream, you’ll understand why this recipe is one that you will love forever!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of (bold) ingredients you will need to make this decadent and flavorful dessert:
Wine poached pears:
- 4 Bosc pears, peeled and cored
- 2 cups of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works best)
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- Peel strips from one lemon
- Juice from 1/2 an orange
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
Cinnamon ice cream:
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Peel from one orange, cut into strips
- Zest from half an orange
- Zest from half a lemon
- Pinch of salt
- 5 egg yolks
Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and spices according to your preference.
The Recipe How-To
Here’s how to make this delicious Wine Poached Pears With Cinnamon Ice Cream recipe:
Step 1: Peel the Pears
– Peel 6 Bosc pears, leaving the stem intact.
Step 2: Poach the Pears
– In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of red wine, 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar, the peel strips from 1 orange, the juice of 1 lemon, and the juice of half an orange.
– Add 2 whole cloves, 1 star anise, and 1 cinnamon stick to the saucepan.
– Bring to a boil, then add the peeled pears and reduce heat to a simmer.
– Let the pears simmer until they are tender but still firm, about 25 minutes.
– Remove the pears from the wine mixture and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Red Wine Sauce
– Strain the solids from the poaching liquid and return it to the saucepan.
– Boil until reduced to about 1 1/2 cups.
– Add a pinch of salt and stir well.
Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Ice Cream
– Scoop out your favorite vanilla ice cream into separate bowls or glasses.
– Mix together some ground cinnamon with a little bit of sugar and sprinkle it over your ice cream.
Step 5: Serving Time
– Cut each pear in half lengthwise and remove the core with a small melon baller or spoon.
– Place each pear half on top of a scoop of cinnamon ice cream.
– Drizzle some spiced red wine sauce over each pear dessert.
Now your wine-poached dessert is ready!
Substitutions and Variations
Tired of the same old poached pear recipe? Don’t worry, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to try out! First off, instead of bosc pears, you can use any other firm type of pear such as Anjou, Comice or Bartlett.
For the wine, you can opt for a white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Chenin Blanc instead of red. You can also use a port wine to give your poached pears an extra depth of flavor.
In addition to the spices listed in the recipe, you can experiment with other warm spices like cardamom or ginger. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try using a combination of these spices for a unique flavor profile.
If you’re looking for a different way to serve the poached pears other than with ice cream, try using them as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt. They also pair well with savory dishes like pork tenderloin or roasted chicken.
If you want to mix things up even further, consider trying out some different cooking methods like baking the pears instead of poaching them in wine. Or, try serving them cold instead of warm.
With so many options to explore, “poached pears” doesn’t have to mean the same thing every time. So get creative and let your taste buds be your guide!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your wine-poached pears with cinnamon ice cream are ready, it’s time to serve and pair them. This dessert is a real show-stopper and its presentation is everything. Place the pears on dessert plates and drizzle with the wine sauce made from the red wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, and orange juice. Sprinkle some orange zest over each pear and finish with a scoop of homemade cinnamon ice cream.
This wine-poached pear recipe makes an excellent pairing with sparkling wine, especially one that has been aged for some time, like Champagne or Prosecco. A glass of port wine can also be an excellent pairing with this dessert as they share a sweetness that compliments the flavors in the poached pears.
If you prefer something non-alcoholic or want to cut back on the alcohol content in your dessert, you can pair your poached pears with a cup of Earl Grey tea. The bergamot notes in the tea blend well with the citrus flavors present in the dessert.
Suppose you’re looking to switch things up; you can try serving this recipe alongside some savory cheeses such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola. These blue cheeses have a richness that cuts through the sweetness of the poached pears but still pairs elegantly with their spicy aroma.
In any case, this poached pear recipe is perfect for those looking to impress their guests with an elegant yet straightforward and delicious dessert.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you are planning to make this delicious dessert recipe ahead, you can easily store the wine poached pears in the refrigerator for a few days. In fact, I find that allowing the pears to sit in their poaching liquid for a day or two will only enhance their flavor and spice mix.
To store the poached pears, simply transfer them into an airtight container with some of the liquid and refrigerate until ready to serve. You can also strain and chill the wine sauce separately and reheat it just before serving.
When you are ready to serve, remove the pears from the fridge and let them come to room temperature. This will allow you to enjoy their full flavor and texture. You can also reheat the wine sauce by warming it up in a small saucepan over low heat or on a microwave-safe dish.
Although this recipe is best enjoyed freshly made, leftover wine poached pears are still delicious when reheated. To reheat the pears, place them and their poaching liquid into a medium saucepan and warm them up over low heat until hot. Be sure not to overcook them as they will become mushy.
By following these simple steps, you can easily make this dish ahead of time or store your leftovers for another day without sacrificing any of its flavors. Give it a try and impress your guests with this exquisite poached pear recipe!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to wine-poached pears with cinnamon ice cream, there are a few tips that can help ensure perfect results. Here are some tips that I’ve picked up over the years:
1. Choose the right type of pear: Bosc pears work best in this recipe as they hold their shape well and won’t fall apart during cooking.
2. Poach the pears until they’re still firm but well-poached: You want to cook the pears until they’re tender, but not so much that they fall apart. Use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to check if they’re ready – if it goes through easily without resistance, then the pears are done.
3. Cut the pears evenly: When cutting your pears, try to make them all the same size so that they cook evenly.
4. Use quality ingredients for the wine sauce: The flavor of your wine poached pears will depend on the quality of your ingredients. Use a good red wine, fresh orange zest and cinnamon sticks for maximum flavor.
5. Chilling time is important for the ice cream: When making the cinnamon ice cream, make sure you give it enough time to chill in the freezer before serving. Ideally, let it freeze overnight before serving.
6. Don’t discard the leftover wine sauce: The wine sauce is delicious and can be kept and used as a topping for other desserts like cheesecake or even chocolate cake.
By following these tips, you’re guaranteed to achieve impressive results with your wine-poached pears with cinnamon ice cream recipe!
FAQ
Before wrapping up this recipe, I want to address some of the most common questions regarding these delicious wine-poached pears. Whether you’re curious about the best types of wine to use or want to know how long you can store and reheat the pears, I’ve got you covered. Read on for answers to your frequently asked questions!
Should pears be peeled before poaching?
When preparing pears for poaching, it is important to remove the skin to prevent any bitterness caused by the tannins found in the skin. This can be done easily by using a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the skin. Once the pear is peeled, it should be cut in half vertically, and the seeds should be removed using a small spoon or a melon baller.
What wine goes well with poached pears?
Late harvest dessert wines with a thick, honey-like texture are perfectly complemented by juicy poached pears. For the best results, choose pears with a robust skin like the Bosc variety, as this will help the fruit to hold onto its flavorful juices. I recommend trying this pairing with either a Pinot Gris or Muscat wine for a truly decadent experience that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Not only do poached pears make for a beautiful presentation on the plate, but these delightful fruits also taste as good as they look.
Does pear pair well with cinnamon?
When it comes to food pairings, pear is a versatile fruit that can complement a variety of flavors. This juicy fruit is a perfect match for almond, apple, caramel, chestnut, chocolate, cinnamon, citrus, clove, ginger, hazelnut, nutmeg, pecan, raspberry, rosemary, vanilla, and walnut. So, if you want to create a plate that’s both sweet and savory, a pear-based dish might just be the perfect choice!
How long do wine poached pears last in the fridge?
When we poach pears, we submerge the fruit in a liquid with added spices and let it simmer until it becomes soft, yet retains its form. These versatile treats can be served with various embellishments as a dessert, or kept in the fridge for later consumption for up to five days.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these wine-poached pears with cinnamon ice cream are a delectable dessert that will leave your guests asking for more. The combination of red wine, spices, and citrus flavors offer a truly unique taste that will excite your palate. If you’re looking for a dessert option that is elegant, flavorful and easy to make, then this recipe is perfect for you.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can switch up the type of wine you use depending on your personal preference or decadent desires. Additionally, you can serve the pears on their own as a simple yet sophisticated dessert or add some chocolate sauce on top for an extra indulgence.
Overall, these wine-poached pears with cinnamon ice cream are truly a show stopper dessert. Don’t be surprised if they become a staple in your repertoire of decadent desserts. So why not try something new and treat yourself and your guests to this irresistible dish?
Wine Poached Pears With Cinnamon Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 4 cups pinot noir wine
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 4 bosc pears (firm)
Instructions
- 1. Bring the first eight ingredients to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- 2. Add the pears and poach for 15-20 minutes until tender. Remove the pears and cool.
- 3. Reduce the poaching liquid until it is a light syrup consistency, then strain.
- 4. Cut the pears lengthwise into strips and fan them out on a plate. Drizzle the syrup on top. Serve with cinnamon ice cream.
- Just don’t, you know, go bananas.