Mulled-wine poached pears with vanilla-bean cream
Mulled-wine poached pears with vanilla-bean cream is a decadent yet simple dessert that elevates any occasion. Juicy pears are gently poached in a spiced red wine mixture, resulting in tender, flavorful fruit. Topped with a luscious vanilla-bean cream, this dish is not only visually stunning but also an unforgettable treat for your guests. Perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings, this recipe combines elegance and ease, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 firm pears (Bosc or Anjou)
- 2 cups fruity red wine
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Peel the pears carefully, keeping the stems intact. Trim the bottoms to help them stand upright.
- In a medium saucepan, combine red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and star anise over medium heat until simmering.
- Immerse the pears in the simmering mixture and cook for 20-30 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- While pears are poaching, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold in the seeds from the scraped vanilla bean.
- Once poached, remove pears from heat and let cool slightly before serving with a drizzle of mulled wine reduction and a dollop of vanilla-bean cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Experiment with white wine or different spices like cardamom for unique flavor profiles. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.