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My love for these wine poached pears started at my grandmother's table. She taught me how simple ingredients can create something truly magical. The way these pears slowly transform in a bath of wine and warm spices fills my kitchen with the most incredible aroma. Whenever I want to make dinner feel special without spending hours in the kitchen this is my go to dessert.
A Touch of Elegance
What I love most about these pears is how they look fancy but take almost no effort to make. I often prepare them the day before a dinner party which means more time with my guests. The flavors actually get better overnight so it's a win win. My friends always think I've gone to culinary school when I serve these but really it's just good ingredients doing their magic.
What You Need
- Pears: Look for firm Anjou or Bosc pears I prefer the smaller ones they cook more evenly
- Oranges: I use sweet navels both for their juice and zest nothing goes to waste
- Red Wine: Any dry red works beautifully I usually grab what I'm drinking that night
- Sweet Touch: A mix of honey and sugar creates the perfect balance
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon sticks and cardamom make everything cozy
Let's Cook
- Getting Started
- Peel those pears gently give them a quick orange juice bath so they don't brown. Slice one orange into pretty rounds save the other for its zest.
- The Magic Bath
- Pour your wine into a pot add orange juice slices honey sugar and those lovely spices. Let it come to a gentle boil your kitchen will smell amazing.
- Pear Time
- Nestle your pears into that fragrant liquid cover and let them simmer about 25 minutes. Give them a turn now and then. They're done when a skewer slides in easily like butter.
- Final Touch
- Fish out those pears let the liquid reduce until it's syrupy. Then give the pears one last dip to make them glossy and beautiful.
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Serving Your Creation
These beauties are so versatile serve them warm right from the pot or chilled from the fridge. I love them with a dollop of mascarpone or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of orange zest on top makes them look like they came from a fancy restaurant.
Family Friendly Version
For my friends who don't do wine I make these with grape juice instead. Add some lemon juice for balance and they're just as delicious. My kids love this version especially when I serve it with a tiny scoop of ice cream.
Keeping Them Fresh
Pop your pears in a glass container cover them with their syrup they'll stay perfect in the fridge for almost a week. Just don't stack them they like their space. I actually think they taste even better after a day or two when the flavors have really settled in.
Perfect Company
These pears feel right at home after any dinner but they're especially wonderful after a cozy winter meal. Something about their warm spices just wraps up the evening perfectly. I served them at last year's holiday dinner and now my family won't let me make anything else for dessert.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which pears work best for poaching?
Small, firm Anjou or Bosc pears are ideal as they hold their shape while cooking. Avoid large or overripe pears which can become mushy.
- → Why coat the pears in orange juice?
The orange juice prevents the peeled pears from browning before cooking. It also adds a subtle citrus flavor to the final dish.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these actually taste better the next day after soaking in the poaching liquid. Store them in their liquid in the refrigerator overnight.
- → What kind of pot should I use?
Use a non-reactive pot like enameled cast iron. The pot should be sized so the pears fit snugly and stay mostly submerged while cooking.
- → What can I serve with poached pears?
Serve them with their syrup and optional whipped cream, mascarpone, or creme fraiche. They're also delicious on their own.
Conclusion
These elegant poached pears simmer in red wine with orange, honey, and warm spices until tender. Make them ahead as they taste even better after soaking overnight in the flavorful syrup.