Poached Pears in Red Wine |
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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 4 Minutes |
Ready In: 34 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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This is a really pretty dessert, because the pears get a red blush from the wine. Ingredients:
1 (750 ml) bottle red wine, i like merlot, a good label (if you wouldn't drink it, don't cook with it) |
3/4 cup superfine sugar |
3 tablespoons honey |
1/2 lemon, juice of |
1 cinnamon stick |
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise |
2 inches piece orange rind |
1 clove |
1 black peppercorns |
4 firm ripe pears |
whipped cream or sour cream, to serve |
Directions:
1. Place the wine, sugar, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, orange rind, clove and peppercorn in a saucepan just large enough to hold the pears standing upright. Heat gently, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.
2. Meanwhile, peel the pears, leaving the stem intact. Take a thin slice off the bottom of each pear to keep it standing upright.
3. Place the pears in the wine mixture, then simmer uncovered for 20-35 minutes depending on size and ripeness, until the pears are just tender; be careful not to overcook.
4. Carefully transfer the pears to a bowl, using a slotted spoon. Continue to boil the poaching liquid until reduced bu about half. Let cool, then strain the cooled liquid over the pears and chill for at least 3 hours.
5. Place the pears in four individual serving dishes and spoon a little of the red wine syrup over them. Serve with whipped cream or sour cream.
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