Desserts, Holiday Cooking, Holiday Recipes

Poached Pears in Port Wine

December 4, 2015

I love poached pears in port wine.  You can use your favorite full-bodied red wine if you are not a port fan.  It’s pretty easy to make, and you can decorate each plate beautifully by pairing with ice cream, whipping cream, and so much more.  See below for other ideas.

GourmetGirlDoesRE

Ingredients:
1 bottle of your favorite port
4 to 5 cups sugar
1 cinnamon stick
4 peppercorns
1 vanilla bean
Orange zest of 1 medium orange
8 ripe Bartlett pears

Instructions:
In a large saucepan, heat the first 6 ingredients. Simmer for 30-35 minutes and stir occasionally.  Peel the pears and place into another pan that can be used on the stove with sides that has a lid.  Pour the simmering liquid port sauce over pears. Cover and simmer about 30 minutes or until the pears are tender when pierced with a knife. Remove from the liquid and set aside to cool. Strain the liquid and cool before serving.

What to Serve with Pears:

    • Your favorite vanilla bean ice cream (if you are really ambitious homemade is always better)
    • Mascapone or riccotta filling (with sugar, orange peel and nutmeg)
    • Homemade whipped cream
    • Top with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce
    • Garnish with mint leaves
    • Serve over puff pastry, pound cake, shortbread cookie or another one of your favorite cookies that might pair well

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