The Most Elegant Poached Pears Recipe

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: Poached Pears are a gorgeous dessert that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to make in just 30 minutes, and perfect for making ahead! Elegant and juicy, they transform firm pears into a delightful treat.

• Elegant and Easy Dessert: Poached pears are a simple yet sophisticated dessert that looks and tastes impressive.
• Customizable Recipe: This basic poached pear recipe can be easily adapted with spices or white wine for added flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve with creme anglaise, ice cream, or caramel sauce for a delightful treat.
• Make Ahead & Store: Prepare them up to 5 days in advance and store them in the fridge whenever needed.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 7/31/2024, to include new STEP-BY-STEP photography, explanations of key ingredients, types of pears for poaching, serving variations, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips.

Table of Contents

• What are Poached Pears?
• Tools You Need
• Key Ingredients for Poached Pear Recipe
• How to Make Poached Pears
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make Ahead & Storage Instructions
• What Are the Best Pears for Poaching?
• What Are the Best Variations for Poached Pears?
• How to Serve Poached Pears in Different Ways
• More Pear Recipes

What are Poached Pears?

• Definition: Poached pears are pears that are gently simmered in a flavored liquid, often made from water, sugar, and spices, or sometimes wine. This cooking method softens the fruit while infusing it with rich flavors, resulting in a tender, elegant dessert.
• History: The practice of poaching fruit dates back centuries, with origins traced to various cultures that sought to preserve and enhance the flavors of seasonal fruits. Poached pears, in particular, gained popularity in French cuisine, often served with sauces like crème anglaise or chocolate. This dessert reflects the French tradition of elevating simple ingredients into sophisticated dishes.
• Origin: While poached pears have become a staple in French gastronomy, the technique of poaching fruit likely has roots in ancient cooking methods across different regions. Today, poached pears are celebrated worldwide for their versatility and elegance in home and restaurant settings.

Tools You Need

• Measuring cups
• Stockpot
• Knife
• Parchment paper

Key Ingredients

• Water

  • Water acts as the base for the poaching liquid, providing the medium in which the pears cook gently.
  • It helps evenly distribute heat and ensures the pears cook through without burning.

• Granulated sugar

  • Sugar sweetens the poaching liquid, which infuses the pears with a pleasant sweetness.
  • Sugar also helps to slightly thicken the liquid, creating a light syrup that coats the pears.

• Cinnamon sticks

  • Adds warm, spicy notes to the poaching liquid, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
  • The aromatic quality of cinnamon pairs well with the natural sweetness of the pears.

• Orange

  • Orange contributes a fresh, citrusy flavor to the poaching liquid.
  • The orange slices add both sweetness and acidity, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and complementing the pears.

• Pears

  • The main ingredient provides the firm, juicy texture that poaching transforms into a tender, flavorful dessert.
  • The pears absorb the flavors from the poaching liquid, becoming infused with sweetness and spice.

How to Make Poached Pears

Heat the poaching base solution

1. Combine the water, sugar, cinnamon sticks and orange slices in an 8-quart lidded stockpot over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.

Prepare pears

2. While the water is heating, peel the pears: for each pear, first slice the bottom so that it can stand upright. Then peel away all of the skin but leave the stem (for looks).

Poach the pears

3. Add the pears to the pot, then cut a circle of parchment paper large enough to fit in the pot on top of the pears. Cut a small circle in the middle for venting and place it on top of the pears in the water.

4. Keep water at a very gentle simmer and cook until the pears can be easily pierced through with a knife, about 20 minutes (more or less, depending on the size, variety, and firmness of the pears).

5. Let pears cool in their liquid, then serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream, vanilla crème anglaise, salted caramel sauce or however you wish!

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

• You can replace half of the water with white wine.
• Instead of an orange, use lemon for a more tangy taste.
• Try different additions, like warm spices such as fresh ginger, whole cloves, star anise, allspice, or vanilla bean.
• Use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of orange peel or lemon zest, then arrange them on top or around the poached pears. For extra flavor, squeeze a bit of fresh citrus juice over them.
• This is perfect to serve for dessert after a special occasion dinner. They are beautiful, elegant, not too heavy after a big meal and can be made in advance!
• Be sure to use very firm pears and simmer very gently or they may get too mushy.
• This poached pears recipe can be used to make my Pear Frangipane Tart or Pear and Chocolate Frangipane Tart.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Make Ahead:

  • Poached pears can be prepared in advance and stored in their poaching liquid. This allows the flavors to deepen as they sit.

• Storage:

  • Once cooled, transfer the pears and poaching liquid to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Serving:

  • Poached pears can be served cold or warmed. To reheat, gently warm them in their liquid on the stovetop over low heat.

• Usage:

  • Enjoy them as is or use in other desserts, such as tarts or salads.

What Are the Best Pears for Poaching?

What Are the Best Variations for Poached Pears?

• Red Wine Poached Pears:

  • Poaching pears in red wine adds a rich, deep flavor and a beautiful color. The wine is typically combined with sugar, spices like cinnamon and star anise, and citrus for a luxurious dessert. This method enhances the fruit’s sweetness and gives it a sophisticated twist.

• Fruit Juice Poached Pears:

  • Using fruit juice, such as apple or cranberry juice, creates a lighter, fruity flavor. The juice can be sweetened with sugar and flavored with spices, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional poaching liquids.

• Herbal Tea Poached Pears:

  • Infusing the poaching liquid with herbal teas, like chai or green tea, adds unique flavors. The spices in chai can complement the sweetness of the pears, while green tea provides a subtle, earthy note.

• Spiced Poached Pears:

  • Incorporating various spices such as ginger, cloves, or vanilla can enhance the flavor profile. For example, adding fresh ginger or whole cloves to the poaching liquid creates a warm, aromatic experience.

• Citrus Poached Pears:

  • Using citrus juices like orange or lemon in the poaching liquid adds brightness and acidity. This can help balance the sweetness of the pears and create a refreshing dessert.

• Maple Syrup or Honey Poached Pears:

  • Substituting granulated sugar with maple syrup or honey introduces a distinct flavor. These natural sweeteners can add a unique depth to the dish, complementing the pears beautifully.

How to Serve Poached Pears in Different Ways

• Classic Presentation:

  • Serve the whole poached pears on a plate with a drizzle of the poaching liquid and a dollop of crème anglaise or whipped cream.

• Sliced Pears:

  • Cut the pears in half to reveal the tender interior. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce.

• Pear Salad:

  • Slice the poached pears and mix them into a salad with vegetables, goat cheese, and walnuts. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette.

• Tart or Galette:

  • Use poached pear halves as a filling for a tart or galette, combining them with frangipane or almond cream.

• Parfait Style:

  • Layer sliced poached pears with yogurt and granola in a glass for a beautiful dessert parfait.

• Savory Pairing:

  • Serve poached pears alongside savory dishes, like cheese platters or charcuterie boards, for a sweet and savory contrast.

More Pear Recipes

• Warm Pear and Honey Cake
• Homemade Pear Crumble Recipe
• Flakey And Easy Pear Pie
• Pear Butterscotch Pie
• Unbelievable Pear & Dark Chocolate Crisp

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 7/31/2024, to include new STEP-BY-STEP photography, explanations of key ingredients, types of pears for poaching, serving variations, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips.

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