Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of winter in a single, elegant dish - where succulent fruits bathe in rich red wine, transforming into a decadent delicacy that warms both body and soul. This French-inspired winter fruits cooked in red wine with bay is not just a recipe, but a culinary journey that promises to elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Prepare to be transported to a cozy French kitchen where simplicity meets sophistication, and every spoonful tells a story of comfort and indulgence.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed winter fruits (e.g., pears, apples, oranges)
- 1 bottle red wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Wash and prepare the winter fruits by peeling pears and apples, and segmenting oranges. Cut larger fruits into uniform chunks approximately 1-inch in size to ensure even cooking.
- Select a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan that will comfortably hold all the fruits and wine. Combine the entire bottle of red wine with sugar, cinnamon, and bay leaves in the pan.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, ensuring it does not reach a full boil.
- Carefully add the prepared winter fruits to the wine mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Reduce heat to low and maintain a gentle, slow simmer.
- Cook the fruits for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even absorption of the wine and spices. The fruits should become tender but not mushy.
- Remove the bay leaves and transfer the fruits and wine syrup to a serving dish. Allow to cool slightly and serve warm, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- For best flavor, let the fruits marinate in the wine syrup for an additional 30 minutes after cooking to enhance the depth of taste.
Tips
- Wine Selection Matters: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir for the best flavor balance. Avoid overly tannic or extremely sweet wines.
- Fruit Preparation is Key: Cut fruits into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and elegant presentation. Keep pieces around 1-inch to maintain their structural integrity.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. High heat can break down fruits and make them mushy.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a strip of orange zest to the poaching liquid for additional complexity.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious warm, this dish can also be served chilled, making it versatile for different occasions.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert actually improves in flavor if allowed to rest for a few hours or overnight, making it perfect for dinner parties.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 415kcal
Carbohydrates: 74g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
