Poached Pears

Poached Pears

Chef Jeremy
Cook time: 60 mins
Servings: 3-5
Difficulty: Intermediate

Savor the sophistication and elegance of Poached Pears. We've taken succulent, ripe pears and gently poached them in a fragrant bath of spices and white wine until they're tender and infused with flavor. Each pear is like a work of art, both visually and in taste, with a subtle sweetness and a hint of the spices' warmth. It's a dessert that's both refined and comforting, making it the perfect ending to a special meal.

Print recipe

What you'll learn

  • Understand the proper poaching process, including choice of liquid, temperature, and timing.
  • Discover how to create a poaching liquid that imparts delicious tastes and aromas to the pears.
  • Gain insights into the art of presentation and garnishing.

Mise En Place

Knife
Paring Knife
Chopping Board
Parchment Paper
Peeler
Knife
Paring Knife
Chopping Board
Parchment Paper
Peeler

Shopping List

Water, 4 1/2 cups

Sugar, 3 cups

White wine, 2 cups

Juice of 2 lemons

Zest of one lemon

Vanilla bean, 1x (split and scraped)

Cinnamon sticks, 2x

Clove buds, 5x

Allspice, 5

Sait, 1 tsp

Firm bosc pears, 4x

Prep

  1. Peel the pears and slice in half from top to bottom. Use a teaspoon measurer or melon baller to core the pear halves and remove the seeds.
  2. Use a paring knife to slice out the stringy part of the pear that runs through the center. Keep the stems on as a decorative touch.

How to cook

  1. In a 4+ qt saucepan, add all the ingredients minus the pears. Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  2. Once all of the sugar has dissolved in the poaching liquid, add the pears.
  3. Cut a circle of parchment paper and cover the pears with it.
  4. Cook the pears for 15–20 minutes at the gentlest simmer. They are done when they have softened and can be pierced by a paring knife with no resistance.
  5. Remove from the poaching liquid and serve warm with ice cream or chill and enjoy later.
  6. The poaching liquid can be used multiple times. It can also be reduced into a syrup to accompany the pears.