Poached Pears

Now that Juneau is home resting and healing well, it is time to get back to the business of cooking. I never stopped cooking; I just wasn’t posting about the things I was making.

The first of these recipes I am going to share is the poached pears I made for Christmas Day dessert. Christmas 2021 These are so easy to make and are a healthy dessert not just for the holidays, but for anytime. They are simple and eloquent but very tasty all at the same time.

Wine Poached Pears

There were only four of us and I used 1 pear per person. I used the red pears, but you can use any kind of pears and any kind of wine you like. Do as I do and mix them up too. I used a reduced port cooking wine this time.

4-6 pears, peeled and kept whole

2-3 cups wine of your choice

3 TBSP honey-ginger balsamic vinegar, optional

1 TBSP cinnamon nibs, optional or 1-2 whole cinnamon sticks

1 cup sugar

chocolate balsamic vinegar, optional

whipped cream or ice cream

deep cooking pot or Dutch oven with a tight fitting lid

Mix all the ingredients together in the pot and add the pears.

Cover and bring to a full, rapid boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the pears are tender. Rotate the pears a few times during the cooking process to ensure they cook evenly and completely.

When the pears are cooked, remove them from the liquid and serve. I served them on a bed of fresh whipped cream with some honey pecans on the side. I drizzled some of the poaching liquid onto the pears and then drizzled some chocolate balsamic vinegar on top. These were a healthy and delicious treat. They were lightly sweet and you could taste the hints of cinnamon without being overwhelmed by it. They are a perfect, light and healthy dessert, especially after a heavy meal.

Happy New Year Everyone. May 2022 bring you much health, happiness and prosperity. ‘Til next time.