White wine poached pears make the best healthy yet indulgent dessert!
We are very fortunate to have kids who love fruit. Our issue is keeping fruit on hand vs trying to convince them to eat more. Pears are a favorite, especially this simple pear dessert recipe. The kids go crazy when they see like it was announced they were having a school holiday. For those without kids don't worry as this dish is popular with adults - they hear "wine" and all is good.
Ingredients for Poaching Pears
- Pears
- White Wine
- Water
- Sugar
- Ginger
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Star Anise
- Vanilla Bean
How to Poach Pears (Step by Step)
Step 1: Make the poaching liquid
Place wine, water, and sugar in a large saucepan. Add cinnamon sticks, vanilla, ginger, and anise. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves.
Step 2: Prepare the pears
Peel pears with a vegetable peeler and cut bottom base so pears can stand upright later. Place pears in poaching liquid. Cover pan with parchment paper and cover with lid. Reduce to low heat and cook covered for 30-40 minutes turning occasionally to ensure all sides of the pears are covered with poaching liquid. Pears should be relatively soft when ready.
Step 3: Finish
Serving Suggestions
These are meant to serve upright, so it's important to slice off the base of the pear before cooking. Serve post-dinner for a gourmet treat.
The poaching liquid reduces to an addictive all-purpose sauce for the pears and I'm reminded by my kids to make ample of. It may be the only leftovers they proactively sign up for. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla added to ripe pears is divine. The anise if you have it on hand elevates this pear dish but is not essential.
What type of pear should I use?
I recommend either a Bosch or Anjou, as both hold their shape well especially under heat. Bartlett work well also. Either way make sure you don't select either over or under-ripe pears. Neither works well in poaching. Overripe leads to soggy pears and underripe hard pears essentially prevent any poaching from occurring.
How to choose perfectly ripe pears?
Pears that have a little give at the top near the stem are ripe. Avoid pears that have soft spots in any other places as they tend to be overripe. Underripe pears will be especially hard.
The poaching liquid reduces to an addictive all purpose sauce for the pears and I'm reminded by my kids to make ample of. It may be the only leftovers they proactively sign up for. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla added to ripe pears is divine. The anise if you have it on hand elevates this pear dish but is not essential. It's like the Warriors adding Kevin Durant. I typically use it when I make for clients or guests to up the ante.
For similar recipes you might like try these:
Mexican Strawberries and Cream
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Ingredients
- 3 cups white wine
- 3 cups water
- 3 cups sugar
- 2 star anise cloves optional
- 1 oz fresh ginger Peeled and chopped
- 1 cinnamon sticks
- 1 vanilla bean
- 4 pears (Bosch or Anjou) Preferably with long stems attached
Instructions
- Place white wine, water and sugar in a large saucepan. Add cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean, ginger and anise. Stir over a low heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Peel pears with a vegetable peeler and cut bottom base so pears can Stan upright later. Place pears in poaching liquid. Cover pan with parchment paper and cover with lid. Reduce to low heat and cook covered for 30-40 minutes turning occasionally to ensure all sides of the pears are covered with poaching liquid. Pears should be relatively soft when ready.
- Remove pears from the liquid and place each in a serving bowl. Turn the heat up on the remaining poaching liquid and cook down to syrup like consistency. Spoon syrup over the pears and serve warm or at room temperature
AHugg
Tuesday 11th of July 2017
I'm so going to try this especially since I have a little fruit lover at home. This recipe sounds like it's right up his alley. When cooking with pears, I've only roasted them with veggies and chicken (before going vegan). Thank you!!
moopbrown
Tuesday 18th of July 2017
Hopefully the little one enjoys it. We roast/grill fruit all the time.