Poached Pears

Name: Poached Pears
Ingredients: 1/2 bottle (1 1/2 cups) red wine; 1 lemon; 1 navel orange, quartered; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/2 vanilla bean, split, or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cinnamon stick; 5 cloves; 4 small ripe pears (any variety), peeled

8 ingredients

2 steps

Ingredients

1/2 bottle (1 1/2 cups) red wine
1 lemon
1 navel orange, quartered
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 vanilla bean, split, or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick
5 cloves
4 small ripe pears (any variety), peeled

Directions

1

In a small saucepan, off the heat, combine the wine, the juice from the lemon and orange, 1 of the squeezed orange quarters, the sugar, vanilla, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Add the pears and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, turning the pears occasionally, until they're easily pierced with the tip of a knife, about 25 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pears to individual plates. Remove and discard the orange quarter and spices. Return the liquid to a simmer and cook until syrupy and reduced by two-thirds, about 15 minutes, depending on size of pan. Spoon the sauce over the pears.
2

Pears not quite ripe? Poaching in wine renders even firm fruit juicy and tender. For extra drama, serve this ruby red dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.