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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