Description
A simple and elegant alcohol-free dessert, these Spiced Poached Pears are tender, infused with aromatic spices, and coated in a reduced syrup. Perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium-sized, firm-ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou recommended)
- 4 cups (1 liter) high-quality white grape juice
- 2 cups (475 ml) water
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole star anise
- 5–6 whole cloves
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped (or 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract)
- 2 wide strips of lemon peel
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Poaching Liquid: In a large pot, combine white grape juice, water, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, vanilla seeds, vanilla pod, and lemon peel.
- Heat the Liquid: Place the pot over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Prepare the Pears: Wash and peel the pears. Leave stems on if desired. Core from the bottom if serving whole. Rub peeled pears with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Poach the Pears: Carefully place prepared pears into the simmering liquid. Ensure they are mostly submerged.
- Create a Cartouche: Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit inside the pot, with a small slit in the center. Place it directly on top of the pears and liquid.
- Simmer Gently: Reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and poach for 20-40 minutes, or until tender.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a knife into the thickest part of a pear; it should slide in easily.
- Cool the Pears: Remove pears with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl.
- Create the Syrup: Strain the poaching liquid into a clean saucepan. Boil over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, or until reduced by half and slightly syrupy.
- Store: Pour the warm syrup over the pears. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Notes
- For a different flavor, use unsweetened apple cider or a mix of cranberry and apple juice.
- Pears should be firm when choosing them for poaching.
- Do not skip the cartouche to ensure even cooking.
- Allow pears to cool completely in the syrup for best flavor infusion.
- The leftover syrup can be used in other recipes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A