Spiced Tea Poached Pears Recipe Taste of Home from www.tasteofhome.com
Introduction
Poached pears are a classic dessert that is both elegant and simple to make. The dish is perfect for entertaining, as it can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled or warm. This recipe is a great way to showcase the natural sweetness of the pears and is a healthier alternative to many other desserts.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need: - 4 ripe but firm pears - 1 cinnamon stick - 1 vanilla bean - 1/2 cup sugar - 2 cups water - 1/2 cup white wine
Choosing the Pears
When selecting pears for this recipe, it is important to choose pears that are ripe but firm. Look for pears with a uniform shape and no soft spots or bruises. The variety of pear you use is up to you, but Bosc, Anjou, and Bartlett pears are all good choices.
Instructions
1. Peel the pears and cut off the bottom so they can stand up straight. 2. Cut a small slice off the top of each pear and use a melon baller or spoon to remove the core and seeds from the bottom. 3. In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and vanilla bean (split in half lengthwise). Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. 4. Reduce the heat to low and add the pears to the pan. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pears are tender but not mushy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pears from the pan and set aside. 5. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the wine to the pan. Boil for 8-10 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by about half and has thickened slightly. 6. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Remove the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean from the pan. 7. Pour the sauce over the pears and serve warm or chilled.
Serving Suggestions
Poached pears can be served on their own, with a dollop of whipped cream, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for added decadence.
Nutrition
Poached pears are a healthy dessert option, as they are naturally low in fat and calories. One medium-sized pear contains about 100 calories and is a good source of fiber and vitamin C. The sugar in this recipe adds some extra calories, but you can adjust the amount to your liking or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead.
Variations
There are many variations on this basic recipe that you can try. Here are a few ideas: - Add a few slices of fresh ginger to the poaching liquid for a spicy kick. - Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer flavor. - Substitute apple cider or cranberry juice for the wine for a non-alcoholic version. - Top the pears with chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture. - Use different spices, such as nutmeg or allspice, to vary the flavor.
Conclusion
Poached pears are a delicious and elegant dessert that is easy to make. This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment with different flavors and variations to make it your own. Whether you serve them warm or chilled, these poached pears are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
