Poached Pears Docked at Port
A Fancy yet Simple Dessert: Poached Pears in Fortified Wine
Skip the fancy restaurants - make this elegant, simple dessert at home! This poached pear recipe, a part of our 2007 Fruits of Fall story, is a show-stopper. It's easy, takes less than 30 minutes, and the garnishing options are endless!
Difficulty: Easy PeasyTotal Time: 20 minutes (make that sweet tooth happy quick!)Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 cups port wine
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split & scraped
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 firm Bosc or Anjou pears (goes best with a balanced pear, like Bartlett or Anjou)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine port wine, sugar, vanilla bean (pod and seeds), cinnamon stick, allspice, and kosher salt. Heat over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Meanwhile, peel pears, leaving stems intact. Slice off bottom 1/8 inch for stability.
- Reduce heat to keep poaching liquid at a simmer. Add pears, nearly submerging them. Cook, turning occasionally, until tender (7 minutes).
- Let cool in poaching liquid. Serve or store in refrigerator (up to 2 days).
Beverage Pairing: Patrick Bottex Vin du Bugey-Cerdon La Cueille, France. Don't stick with port – opt for a sweet, sparkling red from Bugey-Cerdon. Its red-berry flavors will complement the pear, while its lightness won't overpower it.
Without the Boring Bits
- Rich Port wine gives these pears a deep, complex taste.
- The sweet cinnamon, spicy allspice, and floral vanilla enrich the pear flavor in an incredible way.
- Serve them warm or chilled, with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
This elegant dessert, Poached Pears in Fortified Wine, offers an opportunity to explore the realm of nutrition and taste. The recipe, from our 2007 'Fruits of Fall' story, emphasizes the importance of balance, as it pairs a firm Bosc or Anjou pear with spices like cinnamon, allspice, and a hint of salt. Additionally, garnishing options with elements like ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a touch of lightness and elevate the overall presentation.
