honey

Poached Pears

Poached_Pears_0.jpg

Recipe Information
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

If you’re cooking for a crowd, we have a fun and decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. Looking for a way to use those pears you got from our 12 days of good food deal? Give this unique treat a try and wow you friends and family at dinner.

Ingredients

  • 6 firm pears (not quite ripe),

  • peeled with stems on

  • 3 cups red wine

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1/2 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise

  • 1 star anise

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Preparation

  1. Choose a cooking pot that will hold the pears snugly. Place red wine, water, and sugar in the pot. Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the pot; add the pods along with star anise, honey, and lemon juice.

  2. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring to make sure the sugar is dissolved.

  3. Add the peeled pears, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until pears are tender.

  4. Remove the pears and continue simmering the liquid until it becomes thick and syrupy. Use this syrup to glaze the pears before serving.

Serving Suggestion

Serve pears warm or cold, with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraiche, if desired.