Easy Poached Pears Recipe: Customize to Delight

Sweet Simplicity: Poached Pears Recipe

Poached pears are a delightful dessert that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. With this basic recipe, you can experiment with various flavor combinations to create a unique dessert experience.

Flavor Variations

Add a pinch of warmth with ginger, orange zest, and star anise for a spicy twist. Alternatively, infuse your pears with a floral flavor by incorporating dried lavender or lemon balm.

Recipe Overview

Yield: 4 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 20 minutes
Active Time: 7 minutes

Ingredients

  • 5 cups water
  • 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 (1-by-3-inch) strips lemon zest
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped, reserving the seeds and pod
  • 4 Bosc or Anjou pears (about 1 pound)

Poaching Perfection

Combine the water, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla bean seeds and pod in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Prepare the Pears

Peel the pears, leaving the stem intact. Slice off the bottom 1/8 inch of each pear to create a flat, stable base.

Poaching Process

Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Add the pears to the poaching liquid, laying them on their sides so they are almost completely submerged. Cook for 7 minutes, occasionally turning the pears to ensure even saturation.

Cool and Serve

Allow the pears to cool completely in their poaching liquid. Serve immediately, placing them upright on a plate, or transfer the pears and liquid to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Tips and Variations

Experiment with different spices, zests, and herbs to create unique flavor profiles. Poached pears make a beautiful dessert or snack, perfect for any occasion.

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