Poached Pears

serves 5

 
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There is so much beauty in focusing on one ingredient. This recipe is simple but impressive. It's one that will leave your guests in awe. These pears are inspired by a dessert my grandmother makes. She serves them with whipped cream and they are a delicious treat for the fall season. They are also a great way to get rid of an old bottle of red wine that you are not too keen on.

Ingredients Method

  • 5 Bosc pears

  • 2 cups red wine

  • 2 cinnamon sticks

  • 10 whole cloves

  • 1 thick orange peel

  • 1 cup orange juice

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract














  1. Add all ingredients (except pears) to a wide-based saucepan and bring to a very low simmer on low to medium heat.

  2. Peel pears only when liquid is ready! I like to cut off a piece at the bottom of the pear to create a base for them to stand upright.

  3. Once you see tiny bubbles (like champagne bubbles) rising up the sides of the pot, carefully insert the pears into the pot.

  4. Poach pears in liquid for 25 minutes, turning the pears every 5 minutes so that they are cooked evenly on all sides. The pears will be very soft, so handle them gently.

  5. Remove the pot with the pears from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

  6. Refrigerate pears in poaching liquid overnight.

  7. Remove pears from liquid. Strain cloves and cinnamon sticks from liquid, then transfer to a small saucepan.

  8. Cook the liquid on a very low heat until it reduces to a thick syrup.
    8. Paint pears with syrup and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.