Pears Poached in Red Wine

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Pears Poached in Red Wine.

1. Step 1

   Start by gathering your ingredients and a large saucepan. Pour in the red wine, followed by the white sugar, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and the vibrant strip of orange zest. If you're feeling adventurous, add the optional fennel seeds, black peppercorns, and bay leaves for an extra layer of flavor. Stir everything together gently until the sugar dissolves completely.

2. Step 2

   Next, peel the pears carefully, leaving the stems intact for a beautiful presentation. Use a small knife to remove the cores from the bottom of each pear, creating a lovely hollow space for the syrup to soak in. Set the prepared pears aside as you bring the wine mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to keep things moving.

3. Step 3

   Once the mixture is bubbling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and add the pears. Let them bask in the warm, spiced wine for about 25 minutes, or until they become tender and infused with flavor. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook; you want them soft but still holding their shape.

4. Step 4

   After the pears have cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the saucepan and place them on a plate. Cover them to keep warm while you work on the syrup. Strain the remaining wine mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices, discarding them afterward. Return the strained syrup to the saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, creating a luscious glaze.

5. Step 5

   Once the syrup has thickened, let it cool slightly before pouring it over the pears. Make sure each pear is generously coated in the syrup, then cover and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This chilling time also enhances the dessert's refreshing quality, making it perfect for serving.

6. Step 6

   When you're ready to serve, take the pears out of the fridge and plate them with a drizzle of the thickened syrup. They make a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table, and the combination of sweet, spiced wine with tender pears is simply irresistible.