Poached Pears I

Poached Pears I Recipe - Sweet and Aromatic French Pear Dessert

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Poached pears are a delicious and elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender, juicy pears with a sweet and flavorful poaching liquid is sure to impress your guests. In this recipe, we will show you how to easily poach pears in the microwave for a quick and convenient dessert option.

History

Poached pears have been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the dish appearing in different cultures around the world. The process of poaching pears involves simmering the fruit in a liquid until they are tender and infused with flavor. This method of cooking helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the pears and create a delicious dessert that is both light and satisfying.

Ingredients

4 pears, preferably Bosc
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup cranapple juice

How to prepare

Halve, peel, and core the pears.
Sprinkle the freshly cut pears with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Place the pears in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with cranapple juice.
Cover and cook on high for 6 – 8 minutes or until the pears are fork tender.
Spoon the juice over the pears, cover, and let them stand for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
I love the texture and buttery flavor of poached pears.
This microwave poaching method is so simple that sometimes I buy a big bag of pears and poach them all at once.
They can then be refrigerated and covered and eaten as snacks throughout the next week.
Bosc and Bartlett pears are the best varieties for poaching.
This is a nice holiday recipe because the cranberry juice turns the pears a pale pink color.
These pears are pretty garnished with some fresh mint sprigs.

Variations

Try poaching the pears in red wine for a deeper flavor.
Add spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or star anise to the poaching liquid for a warm and aromatic touch.
Top the poached pears with chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Choose ripe but firm pears for the best results.

- Be sure to sprinkle the pears with lemon juice to prevent browning.

- Use a microwave-safe dish with a lid to cover the pears while cooking.

- Let the pears stand in the poaching liquid for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

- Garnish the poached pears with fresh mint sprigs for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the poached pears with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

The microwave method used in this recipe is a quick and convenient way to poach pears, but you can also use a stovetop method if preferred.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cranapple juice, you can use apple juice or white grape juice as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the poached pears ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the poached pears with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the poached pears with a glass of dessert wine or champagne for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover poached pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave the pears for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of poached pears contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of poached pears contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

There is minimal fat content in poached pears, making it a healthy dessert option.

Proteins

Poached pears are low in protein, with less than 1 gram per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Poached pears are a nutritious and low-calorie dessert option that is perfect for those looking for a light and satisfying treat.

Summary

Poached pears are a simple and elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and a microwave, you can create a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to please your guests. Enjoy the tender and flavorful pears on their own or with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves turning vibrant shades of red and gold, and I had just finished browsing through a cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for poached pears caught my eye. The elegant simplicity of the dish, the promise of warm spices and sweet fruit, all combined to captivate me.

I had never made poached pears before, but I was eager to try. The recipe called for ripe pears, red wine, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of lemon zest. It seemed like the perfect dessert for a cozy evening at home, so I decided to give it a go.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. As I peeled the pears, the sweet scent of the fruit filled the air, mingling with the rich aroma of the red wine and spices. I felt a sense of calm and contentment as I simmered the pears in the fragrant liquid, watching as they softened and took on a beautiful deep crimson hue.

As the pears cooled, I prepared a simple cinnamon whipped cream to serve alongside them. The sweet, spicy cream was the perfect complement to the tender fruit, adding a creamy richness to the dish. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

When I finally sat down to enjoy my poached pears, I was overwhelmed by the delicious combination of flavors and textures. The pears were tender and luscious, infused with the warm spices and sweet wine. The cinnamon whipped cream added a touch of indulgence to the dish, rounding out the flavors and making each bite a delight.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire. It was a dish that spoke to me on a deep level, evoking memories of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, of warm kitchens filled with the scent of baking. It was a dish that brought comfort and joy, a dish that I knew I would return to time and time again.

Over the years, I have made poached pears for countless gatherings and special occasions. Each time, I am reminded of that first moment of excitement, of discovery and delight. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this simple yet elegant dessert.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the memories and moments that this recipe has brought me, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the simple pleasures of cooking and sharing food with others, for the joy that a delicious dish can bring. And gratitude for the wisdom and knowledge that has been passed down to me through the generations, enriching my life in ways I never could have imagined.

So if you ever find yourself with a basket of ripe pears and a bottle of red wine, I urge you to try making poached pears. Let the sweet scent of the fruit and spices fill your kitchen, let the rich flavors warm your soul. And know that in that moment, you are connecting with a long line of cooks and food lovers who have found joy and comfort in this simple, beautiful dish.