40 minutes
Poaching pears is a wonderful way to enhance their natural sweetness, and the lemon brings a delightful freshness. This recipe is both elegant and simple, perfect for a cozy evening or a special occasion.
1. Prepare the Syrup
Start by combining the water and sugar in a heavy-bottomed pan. Bring this mixture to a boil, ensuring that the sugar is fully dissolved. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the zest and juice of one lemon.
2. Prepare the Pears
While the syrup is simmering, peel the pears, leaving their stems intact for a lovely presentation. Carefully scoop out the blossom end of each pear to remove the core.
3. Poach the Pears
Place the prepared pears into the simmering syrup. If the pears are not fully submerged, add a bit more water to cover them completely. Simmer the pears gently for 15 to 40 minutes, depending on their size and ripeness. To check for doneness, use a paring knife; it should pierce the pear easily.
4. Cool and Serve
Once the pears are perfectly poached, remove the pan from the heat and let them cool in the syrup. This cooling process allows the flavors to meld wonderfully. You can serve the pears warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Optionally, reduce the poaching liquid to create a more concentrated syrup.
Use a sweet white wine, such as Riesling, and add a vanilla bean pod along with a strip of lemon zest for a sophisticated and aromatic dessert.
Replace the water with red wine and add cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves for a warm, spiced dessert that pairs beautifully with the richness of the wine.
Substitute part of the water with a sweet white wine, such as Riesling, or a red wine for depth and complexity.
Add a split vanilla bean to the poaching liquid for a warm, comforting flavor.
Add a few strands of saffron and orange zest to the poaching liquid for a luxurious and fragrant dessert with a beautiful golden hue.
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