Description
These elegant poached pears are simmered in fragrant mulled wine, creating a sophisticated and warming holiday dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s a perfect way to impress your guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 firm pears (like Bosc or Anjou)
- 3 cups dry red wine (like Merlot or Pinot Noir)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole star anise
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 strip orange peel (about 3 inches long)
- 1/4 cup pear brandy or kirsch (optional)
Instructions
- Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. You can core them from the bottom or leave them whole.
- In a saucepan large enough to hold the pears standing up, combine the red wine, water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and orange peel.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Carefully place the pears into the simmering liquid. They should be mostly submerged. If not, add a little more wine or water.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and gently poach the pears for 20-40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife. Cooking time will vary depending on the ripeness of the pears.
- Once tender, carefully remove the pears from the poaching liquid.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and boil the poaching liquid for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has reduced by about half and has thickened into a syrup.
- If using, stir in the pear brandy or kirsch.
- To serve, place a warm poached pear in a bowl and spoon the reduced mulled wine syrup over it.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, you can add a few slices of fresh ginger to the poaching liquid.
- Serve with a dollop of mascarpone cheese or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra treat.
- Ensure the pears are firm but ripe for the best poaching results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear with syrup
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 (varies based on wine and sugar)
- Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
- Sodium: Low
- Fat: Low
- Saturated Fat: Low
- Unsaturated Fat: Low
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
- Fiber: Approximately 5-7g
- Protein: Approximately 1-2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg