Poached pears are perfect Fall desserts, and you don’t have to restrict to wine. Although, wine poached pear does have its charm. Wine Poached Pear is a classic French dessert, and I believe it started as a way to enjoy unripe pears. A great way to maximize their harvest without wasting or throwing away unripe fruits. I love to serve it mildly warm and then topped it with reduced red wine sauce and some whipped cream. You can make it extra special by adding mascarpone cheese too.
What Pears are best for Wine Poached Pear
I personally prefer Bosc Pears for two different reason. KEY POINT - You want to pick pears that are not over ripe. As the pears poach for a while in the spiced liquid, it will cook and soften. So you definitely don’t want the over ripe ones. Just feel the pears and it should feel firm. Also, the skin should be smooth. Wrinkled skin means over ripe pears.
Wine selection for Wine Poached Pears
Preferably fruit-forward red wine. I used Merlot. But if you are using lots of whole spices for the aroma then go for any good red wine, something not too expensive, probably. It is said that Zinfandel, Shiraz, or Merlot works best. I prefer Merlot! Spices used: Star Anise Cloves Bay leaves Cinnamon Sticks Cardamoms
The Red Wine Sauce
After the pears are poached to the perfect texture, I take it out and reduce the sauce further, add little butter to turn into this delicious red wine sauce. The red wine sauce is not only delicious on the poached pear, you can also save it and use it with grilled steak.
What other sauce can be used ?
Instead of reducing the red wine, you can strain it and drink it as warm mulled wine. A simple chocolate sauce works great too on wine poached pears.
How to use poached pear?
You can enjoy it as it with whipped cream or mascarpone cheese. Poached pears are great with waffles or pancakes. You can also use the poached pears on chocolate cake. Here is a recipe you can try. This Holiday Season, wow yours friends and family with this simple but gorgeous looking dessert. You won’t believe how easy and flavorful this dessert is, until you give it a try!
