Slow-Cooked Spiced Pears

Ingredients

• 6 firm pears, peeled with stems intact 6 firm pears, peeled with stems intact
• 750 ml (3 cups) red wine 750 ml (3 cups) red wine
• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves 6 whole cloves
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional) Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 0g / 0g (total / saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 65g / 273g (total / sugars)
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange zest, and lemon juice.
2. 2.
   Place the peeled pears in the saucepan, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid.
3. 3.
   Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the pears simmer for 2-3 hours, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. 5.
   Once the pears are cooked, carefully remove them from the saucepan and set aside.
6. 6.
   Increase the heat to medium-high and let the liquid in the saucepan simmer until it thickens and reduces to a syrupy consistency.
7. 7.
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the syrup to remove the spices and zest.
8. 8.
   Place the pears back into the saucepan and pour the syrup over them. Allow the pears to cool in the syrup.
9. 9.
   Serve the Slow-Cooked Spiced Pears warm or chilled, drizzled with the syrup. Optionally, accompany with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pears — Choose firm pears that are not overly ripe to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
• Red wine — Opt for a full-bodied red wine with fruity undertones to enhance the flavor of the pears.
• Orange zest — Use organic oranges for the zest to avoid any bitterness from pesticides.
• Lemon juice — Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright and tangy note to the dish.
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream — If desired, serve the pears with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of flavor, add a vanilla bean to the simmering liquid.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the syrup.
• Serve the pears with a sprinkle of toasted almonds or crushed amaretti cookies for added texture.
• Leftover syrup can be stored in the refrigerator and used as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
• To speed up the cooking process, you can use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot on the "Slow Cook" setting.

Serving advice

Serve the Slow-Cooked Spiced Pears in individual dessert bowls, allowing each pear to be showcased beautifully. Drizzle the syrup generously over the pears and, if desired, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a fresh mint leaf for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To create an appealing presentation, place the pears upright in the center of the bowl, allowing the syrup to pool around them. You can also garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise for an extra touch of elegance. Serve the dessert on a white or neutral-colored plate to highlight the vibrant red color of the pears.