Warden Pears Poached in Enchanted Red Wine
Indulge in the rich and historical flavors of Warden Pears Poached in Enchanted Red Wine, a delightful dessert that marries the essence of medieval traditions with contemporary sweetness. This dish, perfect for autumnal gatherings, incorporates luscious, ripe pears simmered gently in a blend of aromatic spices, rich red wine, and a hint of saffron—a nod to the opulent tastes of Shakespeare's era. Traditionally enjoyed on St. Jude's Day, these pears serve as a sweet reminder of the vibrant street culture of old England, where Bedford Boys would peddle their goods with charm and wit. This dessert not only captures the enchanting flavors of the past, but also delights the senses with its alluring aroma and beautiful presentation. Serve warm, drizzled in the spiced wine reduction, and accompany it with a creamy custard or dollop of whipped cream for an unforgettable treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Pears
4 (Peeled and whole)
Red Wine
250 ml (No preparation needed)
Brown Sugar
50 g (No preparation needed)
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Ginger
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Saffron
1 pinch (No preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2
Carefully peel the fresh pears, leaving them whole, and place them upright in an oven-proof dish.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the red wine, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and saffron. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and the spices are evenly distributed.
4
Pour the fragrant mixture over the whole pears, ensuring they are well coated.
5
Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture and place in the preheated oven.
6
Bake for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, or until the pears are tender but still hold their shape. Baste the pears occasionally with the wine mixture for deeper flavor.
7
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
8
Plate the baked pears and drizzle generously with the infused wine sauce. Serve hot, accompanied by creamy custard or a light whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Warden Pears Poached in Enchanted Red Wine?
This is a historical dessert featuring whole pears simmered in a mixture of red wine, brown sugar, and aromatic spices like saffron, ginger, and cinnamon.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 fresh pears, 250 ml of red wine, 50 g of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, and 1 pinch of saffron.
How should the pears be prepared before baking?
The pears should be carefully peeled while being kept whole, then placed upright in an oven-proof dish.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) before baking the pears.
How long do the pears need to bake?
The pears should bake for approximately 20 to 30 minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape.
Why is saffron used in this recipe?
Saffron is included as a nod to the opulent tastes of the Shakespearean era, adding a unique flavor and vibrant color to the poaching liquid.
What historical period does this dish represent?
This dish marries medieval traditions with contemporary sweetness, specifically referencing the street culture of old England and the era of Shakespeare.
Who were the Bedford Boys mentioned in the description?
The Bedford Boys were historical figures in old England known for peddling goods like these pears with charm and wit.
What is the significance of St. Jude's Day for this recipe?
These poached pears were traditionally enjoyed on St. Jude's Day as part of English festive food culture.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, you should cover the oven-proof dish with foil to retain moisture while the pears bake.
What should I serve with these poached pears?
They are best served hot with a drizzle of the wine reduction and an accompaniment of creamy custard or whipped cream.
Is it necessary to baste the pears?
Yes, basting the pears occasionally with the wine mixture during the baking process ensures a deeper flavor and consistent color.
What kind of wine is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for red wine, which provides a rich color and deep flavor profile suitable for the historical theme.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
The recipe specifies 50g of brown sugar for its caramel-like notes, which complement the spices and red wine.
What are the main spices used?
The primary spices are cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of saffron.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 4 fresh pears, making it suitable for 4 individual servings.
What texture should the cooked pears have?
The pears should be tender enough to eat easily but firm enough to maintain their upright whole shape.
Can these pears be served cold?
While the recipe suggests serving them hot or warm for the best experience, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
How do I prepare the poaching liquid?
Combine the red wine, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and saffron in a bowl and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
What makes this a good autumn dessert?
The use of pears, warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, and the rich red wine reduction make it ideal for cooler autumnal gatherings.
Are the pears cored in this recipe?
No, the instructions specify leaving the pears whole after peeling.
What does 'enchanted' red wine refer to?
It is a thematic name reflecting the historical and magical allure of the spice-infused wine used in the poaching process.
Is the wine sauce reduced?
Yes, the wine and sugar mixture thickens during the baking process into a fragrant sauce that is drizzled over the pears before serving.
Can I substitute the pears?
While Warden pears are the historical choice, any firm cooking pear that holds its shape when baked can be used.
How much ginger is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of ginger.
How much cinnamon is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
How much red wine is used for 4 pears?
You should use 250 ml of red wine.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
No, this is a sweet dessert recipe and does not list salt as an ingredient.
What is the final presentation step?
Plate the pears, drizzle them generously with the infused wine sauce, and add a dollop of cream or custard.