Indulge your senses with a delightful French classic—Pears Pickled in Merlot! This elegant dessert transforms simple ripe pears into a luxurious treat, infused with the rich flavors of Merlot wine and aromatic spices. Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or as a sophisticated finish to a cozy meal, these poached pears are not just a feast for the palate but also a stunning centerpiece for your table. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears
- 1 bottle Merlot wine
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Carefully wash and peel the ripe pears, keeping their stem intact. Cut a small slice from the bottom of each pear so they can stand upright in the cooking pot.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the entire bottle of Merlot wine, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, star anise, and vanilla extract. Stir until sugar completely dissolves.
- Place the peeled pears into the wine mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged. If needed, add a bit more wine or water to cover.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not allow it to reach a full boil, as this might damage the delicate pear texture.
- Reduce heat to low and let the pears poach slowly, turning them occasionally to ensure even color and flavor absorption. Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes or until pears are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Carefully remove pears from the liquid and set aside on a serving plate. Increase heat and reduce the remaining wine mixture until it becomes a syrupy consistency.
- Pour the reduced wine syrup over the pears. Allow to cool to room temperature, which will further enhance the flavor infusion.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally garnished with a small piece of cinnamon stick or star anise for presentation.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pears: Opt for firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou, as they hold their shape well during cooking and provide the perfect texture.
- Wine Selection: While Merlot is the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other red wines. A fruity Cabernet Sauvignon or even a light Pinot Noir can add unique flavors to your dish.
- Spice It Up: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to your liking. Adding a few cloves or a dash of nutmeg can introduce an exciting twist to the flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch of decadence, serve the pears with a dollop of mascarpone cheese or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Make Ahead: These poached pears taste even better the next day! Prepare them in advance and let them marinate in the syrup overnight for a deeper flavor.
- Presentation Matters: When serving, drizzle the reduced wine syrup artfully over the pears and garnish with fresh mint or edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
