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Perfect Red Wine Poached Pears

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Elegant and easy dessert featuring pears gently poached in a spiced red wine syrup, perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ripe but firm Bosc pears
  • 750 ml dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot recommended)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 3 whole cloves
  • Peel of one orange (avoid white pith)
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup water
  • 4–5 whole black peppercorns (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel the pears carefully, leaving the stems intact. Core the pears from the bottom using a melon baller or small spoon, keeping the fruit whole. This takes about 10 minutes.
  2. In a medium to large saucepan, combine red wine, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, orange peel, lemon juice, and black peppercorns. Stir gently to dissolve sugar.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, about 5-7 minutes, avoiding rapid boiling.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low and add pears standing upright in the poaching liquid. The liquid should almost cover the pears; add more water or wine if needed.
  5. Simmer pears gently for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even color and flavor. Pears are done when tender but still hold shape (test with a skewer).
  6. Remove pears with a slotted spoon and place on a plate to cool slightly. Continue simmering the poaching liquid for 10-15 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy.
  7. Off the heat, stir in butter and vanilla extract for a glossy finish.
  8. Serve pears warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the reduced syrup. Garnish with fresh mint, whipped cream, or mascarpone if desired.

Notes

Use Bosc pears for best texture; avoid overly ripe pears. Keep heat low to prevent toughening fruit and harsh wine flavor. Turn pears gently to avoid bruising. Reduce sauce to a thick, glossy syrup. Add honey if wine is too tannic. For alcohol-free version, substitute wine with pomegranate or cranberry juice mixed with apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: red wine poached pears, elegant dessert, easy dessert, poached fruit, autumn dessert, holiday dessert, Bosc pears, spiced pears

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