Homemade with love: Easy Poached Pears.
Here’s a great recipe that looks much more complicated than it really is! I thought it would be a great challenge to make poached pears, in attempt to impress company. Instead, I found them surprisingly easy to cook … and the result is delicious. Be sure to use ripe pears that are ready to eat; if they’re crispy it won’t taste as delightful. Serve with cinnamon ice cream for the ultimate wow factor.
Ingredients:
8 stewing pears
1 bottle of red wine
3 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp dark brown sugar
grated zest of one orange
grated zest of one lemon
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Directions:
Carefully peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Cut a straight slice off the bottom of the pears so that they can stand upright easily. Tightly pack them into a large pot; they should fit snugly. Pour the wine to the tops of the pears. Add cloves, cinnamon sticks, sugar, zest and nutmeg. You can increase the sugar as you like them extra sweet. Bring to the boil and then reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 1 hour, or until soft but not mushy. Remove the poached pears carefully using a large ladle or spoon; be careful not lift by the stalks.
Finishing touch:
Arrange in a serving bowl or dessert plates. Top with ice cream, whipped cream or sweetened crème freche. Enjoy.
Text: Lydia Parafianowicz