Scandinavian Pears in Syrup Recipe with Bay Leaf, Cloves, and Lemon

Pears in Syrup

Scandinavian Pears in Syrup Recipe with Bay Leaf, Cloves, and Lemon
Region / culture: Scandinavia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pears in Syrup
Pears in Syrup

Pears in syrup is a delightful and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The sweet and juicy pears are infused with a flavorful syrup that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

Pears in syrup is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. The recipe originated in Europe, where pears were plentiful and often preserved in sugar syrup to enjoy throughout the year. This simple yet elegant dessert has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among food lovers around the world.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Bring all ingredients, except the pears, to a boil.
  2. Peel the pears, ensuring the stalk remains intact.
  3. Add the pears to the syrup and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
  4. Allow the pears to cool and refrigerate overnight before serving.

Variations

  • You can add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the syrup for added flavor.
  • For a more decadent dessert, you can top the pears with chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe but firm pears for this recipe to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.

- You can customize the flavor of the syrup by adding different spices such as cinnamon, star anise, or cardamom.

- For a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of brandy or rum to the syrup before simmering the pears.

Serving Suggestions

Pears in syrup can be served on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the pears in the syrup allows them to absorb the flavors and become tender without losing their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have honey on hand, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Make Ahead Tips

Pears in syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pears in syrup in elegant glass bowls or on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pears in syrup pair well with a glass of dessert wine such as Moscato or Riesling.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pears in syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a saucepan over low heat.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pears in syrup contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pears in syrup contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Pears in syrup are low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

There is negligible protein content in pears in syrup, with less than 1 gram per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Pears are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains honey, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Pears in syrup are a delicious and relatively healthy dessert option, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates and calories per serving.

Summary

Pears in syrup is a classic dessert that is easy to make and sure to impress your guests. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Pears in Syrup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the countryside. My family didn't have much money, so we had to be creative with the ingredients we had on hand. One day, a kind neighbor shared this recipe with my mother, and from the moment I tasted those sweet, juicy pears bathing in a delicious syrup, I knew it was a recipe I would cherish forever.

The neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, was a sweet old lady who had a knack for cooking and baking. She would often invite us over to her house for tea and treats, and I always looked forward to those visits. On one particular afternoon, as my mother and Mrs. Jenkins chatted in the kitchen, I sat at the table, listening intently as they discussed recipes and shared cooking tips.

"Have you ever tried making pears in syrup?" Mrs. Jenkins asked my mother, a twinkle in her eye.

My mother shook her head, intrigued. "No, I haven't. Is it difficult to make?"

Mrs. Jenkins chuckled. "Not at all, my dear. It's quite simple, really. All you need are some ripe pears, sugar, water, and a few spices. Would you like me to show you how to make it?"

My mother eagerly accepted Mrs. Jenkins' offer, and soon enough, we were back at our own kitchen, ready to give the recipe a try. Mrs. Jenkins guided us through each step, explaining the importance of choosing ripe, fragrant pears and how to infuse the syrup with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves.

As the pears simmered in the fragrant syrup, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When Mrs. Jenkins finally deemed them ready, she served us each a portion in a delicate porcelain bowl, the syrup glistening in the soft light of the kitchen.

I took a tentative bite, savoring the juicy sweetness of the pear and the warm spices of the syrup. It was a taste unlike anything I had ever experienced before, and I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a cherished favorite in our household.

From that day on, I made Pears in Syrup whenever I could, always remembering Mrs. Jenkins' kind guidance and the joy it brought to our family. Over the years, I experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding a splash of brandy or a sprinkle of toasted nuts to elevate the flavors even further.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I passed down the recipe for Pears in Syrup to my own children, who would eagerly help me in the kitchen, peeling pears and stirring the bubbling syrup with wide-eyed wonder. It became a tradition in our home, a comforting and nostalgic treat that we would enjoy on special occasions or simply as a sweet ending to a meal.

I often think back to that day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, where I first learned the recipe that would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I am grateful for her generosity and expertise, and for the simple pleasure of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. The memory of those pears in syrup will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that can be found in a warm kitchen and a loving community.

Categories

| Honey Recipes | Lemon Peel Recipes | Pear Recipes | Scandinavian Desserts | Scandinavian Recipes |

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