Description
This elegant dessert features ripe Green Anjou pears poached in a fragrant apple cider infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. The pears are gently simmered until tender, allowing the cider to reduce into a flavorful syrup that enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit. Perfect served warm, this simple yet sophisticated recipe makes a delightful autumnal or holiday treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 ripe Green Anjou pears
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the pears: Peel the pears carefully and slice each one in half lengthwise to create two symmetrical halves.
- Core the pears: Leave the stems on for presentation, but use a small knife or corer to remove the core from each pear half.
- Heat the cider and spices: In a large, shallow skillet, combine the apple cider, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat to allow the spices to infuse into the cider.
- Add pears to the cider: Place the prepared pear halves into the hot cider mixture, arranging them so they are partially submerged.
- Simmer the pears: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pears simmer gently until they become tender, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the pears halfway through the cooking time to ensure even poaching on both sides.
- Serve warm: Once the pears are tender and infused with the spiced cider flavor, remove them from the skillet and serve warm. Spoon some of the reduced cider syrup over the pears for added flavor and moisture.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm pears like Green Anjou for best results since they hold their shape well during poaching.
- Adjust the spices according to your preference or add a strip of lemon zest to brighten the flavor.
- The poaching liquid can be simmered further to reduce and thicken into a syrup if desired.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
