Spiced Poached Pears in White Wine
Indulge in the lusciousness of Spiced Poached Pears in White Wine, a versatile treat that serves many delightful purposes. This elegant dessert features tender, poached pears infused with aromatic spices and the sweetness of white wine, making it an exquisite standalone dessert or a delightful accompaniment to cakes and pastries. Prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for a week of sensational flavors. The leftover spiced wine makes for an enticing beverage served chilled, offering layers of flavor that tantalize the palate. Elevate your dessert game with this simple yet sophisticated recipe, perfect for any gathering or quiet evening at home.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pears
4 (Firm, peeled, and quartered)
White wine
500 ml (Sauvignon Blanc or dry white wine)
Sugar
100 g (Granulated)
Vanilla bean
1/2 (Cut lengthwise)
Cinnamon stick
1 (Approximately 2 inches)
Cloves
2 (Whole)
Lemon
1 (Juice of, plus zest of 1/2)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized pot, combine the white wine, sugar, vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, cloves, and the zest of the lemon. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, ensuring it does not reach a boil.
2
While the mixture heats, prepare the pears. In a bowl, squeeze the juice of one lemon to prevent the pears from browning. Peel the pears, then cut them into quarters and remove the cores. Place the pear quarters into the bowl with the lemon juice as you work.
3
Once the wine mixture is heated and the sugar has dissolved, carefully add the pear quarters along with any remaining lemon juice from the bowl. Poach the pears gently for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing them to soften but still remain a bit firm to the bite.
4
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the poached pears to a suitable preserving jar or container. Pour the spiced wine mixture over the pears, ensuring they are fully submerged. Do not discard the spices.
5
Seal the container and refrigerate the pears for a minimum of 12 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully.
6
When ready to serve, present the pears at room temperature, optionally accompanied by a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream. Drizzle with some of the spiced wine brew for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy!
7
Note: Should you have any excess spiced wine brew, store it in the fridge. Serve it chilled over ice with a slice of lemon for a refreshing drink.
8
Optional: The poached pears are also fantastic when incorporated into a pear cake or tart, imparting moisture and rich flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Poached Pears in White Wine?
It is an elegant dessert featuring tender pears infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves, simmered in a sweetened white wine mixture.
What type of wine is recommended for this recipe?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, is recommended for poaching the pears.
How many pears does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 4 firm pears.
What is the best way to prepare the pears for poaching?
The pears should be peeled, cut into quarters, and have their cores removed before being placed in the poaching liquid.
How much sugar is used in the poaching liquid?
This recipe uses 100 grams of granulated sugar.
What spices are needed for the Spiced Poached Pears?
You will need a 2-inch cinnamon stick, two whole cloves, and half of a vanilla bean cut lengthwise.
How do I prevent the pears from browning while I work?
Place the pear quarters into a bowl with the juice of one lemon as you peel and cut them to prevent oxidation.
How long should the pears be poached?
The pears should be poached gently for about 10 to 15 minutes until they soften but remain slightly firm.
Should the poaching liquid be boiled?
No, you should heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves but ensure it does not reach a boil.
How should I store the poached pears after cooking?
Transfer the pears and the wine mixture to a preserving jar or container, ensuring the pears are fully submerged.
Should I remove the cinnamon stick and cloves before storing?
No, do not discard the spices; keep them in the container with the pears and wine to continue infusing flavor.
How long do the pears need to chill before serving?
They should be refrigerated for a minimum of 12 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How long can I store the poached pears in the refrigerator?
The poached pears can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.
What temperature should the pears be when served?
The pears are best served at room temperature.
What are some recommended accompaniments for this dessert?
They are delicious served with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of the spiced wine brew.
Can I use the leftover spiced wine liquid?
Yes, the leftover liquid makes a refreshing drink when served chilled over ice with a slice of lemon.
Can these pears be used in other baked goods?
Yes, they can be incorporated into pear cakes or tarts to add moisture and rich flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Does this recipe use lemon zest?
Yes, the zest of half a lemon is added to the poaching mixture for extra aroma.
What kind of vanilla bean is used?
The recipe uses half of a vanilla bean that has been cut lengthwise.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is considered an easy recipe that yields a sophisticated and elegant result.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, it is an ideal make-ahead dessert since it requires at least 12 hours of chilling time.
What should I do with the lemon juice used for soaking?
Add any remaining lemon juice from the bowl into the poaching pot along with the pears.
Why is it important to use firm pears?
Firm pears hold their shape better during the poaching process and provide a better texture when eaten.
What tool should I use to remove the pears from the pot?
A slotted spoon is recommended to carefully transfer the pears to their storage container.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Yes, its elegant presentation and make-ahead nature make it perfect for gatherings and dinner parties.
Can I substitute red wine for white wine?
While this specific recipe calls for white wine, pears can be poached in red wine using a similar method for a different color and flavor profile.
How much white wine is needed?
The recipe requires 500 ml of white wine.
What happens if the pears are not fully submerged in the wine?
If not submerged, the pears may not absorb the flavors evenly and exposed parts may discolor.
How should the leftover spiced wine be stored?
Store any excess spiced wine brew in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for serving as a drink.