Description
A delicate and elegant dessert featuring ripe pears gently poached in a fragrant mixture of white wine, maple syrup, spices, and vanilla. This recipe infuses the pears with a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth, making for a perfect light treat or impressive finale to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Poaching Liquid
- 750 ml white wine
- 1½ cups water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- lemon peel (from 1 lemon)
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 vanilla bean, cut in half (optional but highly recommended)
Pears
- 6 ripe but firm pears
Instructions
- Prepare the Poaching Liquid: In a large dutch oven, combine white wine, water, granulated sugar, maple syrup, lemon peel, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and the vanilla bean halves. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Poach the Pears: Peel and core the pears carefully, then gently place them into the poaching liquid. Cut a round piece of parchment paper to cover the surface of the pears, helping them cook evenly. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and poach the pears for 15-20 minutes, turning once or twice to ensure even cooking. Pears are done when they can be easily pierced with a sharp knife tip.
- Reduce the Poaching Liquid (Optional): For a thicker sauce, remove the pears from the liquid and continue to simmer the poaching liquid for an additional 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced and syrupy.
- Serve or Store: Serve the pears warm with some of the poaching liquid drizzled over. Alternatively, let the pears cool completely, then transfer them along with the poaching liquid to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 4 days for enhanced flavor infusion.
Notes
- Choosing firm but ripe pears ensures they hold their shape during poaching.
- The vanilla bean is optional but provides a rich aromatic complexity.
- Using parchment paper helps cook pears evenly and prevents them from discoloring.
- Store poached pears in their liquid to keep them moist and flavorful.
- This dessert can be served warm or chilled depending on preference.
