Elegant Spiced Poached Pears in Red Wine
Indulge in a delightful dessert that features succulent pears poached to perfection in a rich, spiced red wine reduction. This recipe combines the sweetness of sugar with the tartness of lemon juice, complemented by warming spices such as cinnamon and allspice, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors. These elegant poached pears are perfect for dinner parties and special occasions, leaving a lasting impression on your guests. Elevate the dish with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for added richness and texture. Enjoy this exquisite dessert that beautifully represents the essence of Australian culinary tradition.
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 cup (N/A)
red wine
1 cup (N/A)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
sugar
1 cup (N/A)
cinnamon stick
1 (N/A)
whole allspice
1 teaspoon (N/A)
firm pears
4-5 (Peeled with stalks attached)
fresh whipped cream
1 cup (Whipped until soft peaks form)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, red wine, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, and whole allspice.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3
While the syrup simmers, prepare the pears by carefully peeling them, leaving the stalks intact for an elegant presentation.
4
Arrange the pears in an ovenproof dish and pour the warm syrup over them, ensuring they are well-coated.
5
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and place the dish in the oven. Poach the pears for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
6
Once the pears are done, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly in the syrup.
7
To serve, pour a small amount of the spiced syrup into the bottom of individual dessert dishes or a serving platter.
8
Position the poached pears upright on the syrup and finish with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream on top.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
17.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Elegant Spiced Poached Pears in Red Wine?
It is a sophisticated dessert featuring firm pears simmered in a mixture of red wine, sugar, and warming spices until tender.
What kind of wine is best for poaching pears?
A medium to full-bodied red wine like Shiraz, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon works best to provide a deep color and rich flavor.
Which type of pears should I use for this recipe?
Choose firm pears such as Bosc or Anjou as they hold their shape well during the poaching process.
Do I need to peel the pears?
Yes, the pears should be carefully peeled to allow the wine syrup to penetrate the fruit and provide a smooth texture.
Why should I leave the stalks on the pears?
Leaving the stalks intact provides a more elegant and professional presentation when serving the dessert.
What spices are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses a cinnamon stick and whole allspice to create a warm and aromatic flavor profile.
How long do the pears need to poach in the oven?
The pears should be poached in a preheated oven for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 150°C (300°F) for gentle poaching.
How do I know when the poached pears are ready?
The pears are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Is this recipe suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, its elegant presentation and refined flavors make it a perfect choice for special occasions and guests.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
Serve the pears upright in individual dishes with a drizzle of the spiced syrup and a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Can I substitute the sugar in this recipe?
You can use honey or a sugar substitute, though it may slightly alter the consistency of the wine reduction.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
Is there much fat in this dessert?
The recipe contains about 10g of fat per serving, primarily from the fresh whipped cream.
Can I use ground spices instead of whole spices?
While whole spices provide a clearer syrup, you can use ground versions in smaller quantities if necessary.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There is 1 cup of sugar used in the syrup, resulting in 17.5g of sugar per serving.
What role does lemon juice play in the recipe?
Lemon juice adds tartness to balance the sweetness and helps keep the pears' color vibrant.
Is this dish considered part of a specific cuisine?
The recipe is described as beautifully representing the essence of Australian culinary tradition.
Can I prepare these pears in advance?
Yes, you can poach them ahead of time and store them in the syrup until you are ready to serve.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover pears should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, submerged in their syrup.
Can these be served cold?
Yes, while often served warm, they are also delicious when chilled.
What can I do with the leftover syrup?
The leftover syrup can be boiled down further into a thick glaze or used as a topping for pancakes or yogurt.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed (fruit, wine, sugar, spices, cream) are naturally gluten-free.
How many pears does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed for 4 to 5 firm pears.
Can I use white wine instead of red?
Yes, though the flavor will be lighter and the pears will not have the characteristic deep red color.
What is the preparation for the whipped cream?
The fresh cream should be whipped until it reaches soft peaks before being added to the dessert.
Does the alcohol cook out of the wine?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during the boiling and poaching process, leaving behind the flavor.
Can I add other spices?
Yes, star anise or vanilla beans also pair very well with this flavor profile.
How much water is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of water to be mixed with the wine and sugar.
Should the pears be refrigerated before poaching?
It is not necessary; however, ensuring they are firm is the most important factor for the best results.