If you’re looking for an easy dessert that tastes delicious and looks beautiful, I’ve got one for you: Poached Pears in Wine. It couldn’t be easier.
A little discussion, first. You can poach a pear in red wine or white wine. I like to use a sweeter wine–either a white moscato or, if red, a late harvest zinfandel. In that case, I use very little sugar. Most recipes call for a cup and a half of sugar. No way. It’s just not necessary, especially if you use a sweeter wine. If your wine is drier, the sugar will make the dish sweeter, if that’s what you like. It really is up to you.
When I made them for company recently, I used cinnamon and cloves. The outcome tasted like autumn and in fact, it’s a great autumn dessert. But, it was August, we had these lovely organic pears and I wanted to use them. So here’s how I made poached pears the other day.
Pears Poached in Red Wine
1 bottle red wine. I used a Castoro Cellars late harvest red zinfandel, but it was a small bottle, so I added some cab I had on hand.
4 ripe or just under-ripe pears, peeled. I don’t core them but you can. I don’t halve them, either, but you can.
1/2 cup sugar 0r less
Two cinnamon sticks
Four cloves
You can add a few coriander seeds or another spice you like. My friend, Barbara, adds cardamom.
Combine all ingredients in a pan with the pears standing up. Simmer for about until pears are tender. My pears were pretty ripe so I only simmered about 15 minutes. Usually, it’ll take about 30 or so for an underripe pear. I baste the pears or roll them in the liquid as they simmer, so make sure the pan is large enough to do that.
Let pears cool in the poaching liquid, then plate with some of the liquid
Serve pears with a chocolate or vanilla gelato, a square of chocolate or drizzle honey over them.
My dad is eating less variety these days and at 87 we try everything to find new foods for him to eat. He’s always loved pears is also is a wine connoisseur (began a wine society in 1970 that is thriving today) so I think I will give your recipe a try. It sounds delicious and looks easy. Thanks,Carol. You’re reading my mind now! 🙂
These sound delicious , Carol, and they’re very pretty, too! I’m going to serve mine with vanilla ice cream which I already have on hand, with a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Thanks!
I LOVE poached pears but never was brave enough to try to make them myself. Now, I’m going to try…and I’ll also make sure I don’t use up all the red wine making them! Gotta have some to sip alongside the pears, after all…
these look delicious!!!! I am hosting a dinner party next month for eight people. I just might try this. I am not much on desserts, but this looks so good. Thanks!
Perfect timing! Last weekend I went to our local orchard for their pear and tomato festival. I love pears! This recipe sounds and looks delicious. Thank you!
Consider installing easy recipe plus plug-in for your recipes as them they will be in schema which Google marks up as a recipe (makes it more searchable).
I love your use of red wine and cloves. Your quote “tastes like autumn” has be mesmerized.
Steven LOVES pears. Am going to give this a try this Sunday. A little surprise from you and me. Of course, the real surprise will be if I don’t screw it up. Loved this one!
This sounds delightful. Though I know myself and am pretty sure I’d eat the pear fresh with a big ol’ glass of the luscious wine to wash it down. Fresh, perfect pairs are one of my fave fruits.
Now that is posh nosh! Anything in wine is posh nosh to me – she who cannot cook. If I ever decide to make dinner for my husband again (and he has begged me not to) I may try this. I will burn it but, I will still try. Thank you. 🙂
What a great excuse to “drink” some wine! (smile) Thank you so much for sharing these healthy, delicious easy poached pears in wine with us on the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.
What a great idea! I may just make this dessert for my upcoming Book Club meeting! I am so delighted that you shared this healthy and delicious poached pears in wine recipe with us at the Plant-Based Potluck Party Link Up. I’m pinning and sharing.
Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.
I love comments, so if something resonates with you in any way, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on my blog. Thank you for stopping by–oh, and why not subscribe so you don’t miss a single post?
My dad is eating less variety these days and at 87 we try everything to find new foods for him to eat. He’s always loved pears is also is a wine connoisseur (began a wine society in 1970 that is thriving today) so I think I will give your recipe a try. It sounds delicious and looks easy. Thanks,Carol. You’re reading my mind now! 🙂
Let me know how he likes them!
I don’t drink much mainly because if I did 🙂 it would be port. Something sweet sweet sweet. For that reason this is right up my alley 🙂
It’s good!
These sound delicious , Carol, and they’re very pretty, too! I’m going to serve mine with vanilla ice cream which I already have on hand, with a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Thanks!
Yummy!
I LOVE poached pears but never was brave enough to try to make them myself. Now, I’m going to try…and I’ll also make sure I don’t use up all the red wine making them! Gotta have some to sip alongside the pears, after all…
😉 It’s simple. You’ll do great!
these look delicious!!!! I am hosting a dinner party next month for eight people. I just might try this. I am not much on desserts, but this looks so good. Thanks!
It’s so easy, make it!
Perfect timing! Last weekend I went to our local orchard for their pear and tomato festival. I love pears! This recipe sounds and looks delicious. Thank you!
Gonna try this. I have some leftover Moscato that a guest brought over that would be perfect for your pear recipe. Here goes nothing. Thanks.
Oh, it would!
Consider installing easy recipe plus plug-in for your recipes as them they will be in schema which Google marks up as a recipe (makes it more searchable).
I love your use of red wine and cloves. Your quote “tastes like autumn” has be mesmerized.
Thanks, Shel!
Steven LOVES pears. Am going to give this a try this Sunday. A little surprise from you and me. Of course, the real surprise will be if I don’t screw it up. Loved this one!
Impossible to screw up. I mean it.
This sounds delightful. Though I know myself and am pretty sure I’d eat the pear fresh with a big ol’ glass of the luscious wine to wash it down. Fresh, perfect pairs are one of my fave fruits.
Ha! That’s supposed to be PEARS in the second reference, of course. Typing too darn fast!! 😀
I liked “pairs” though.
And you will see why in tomorrow’s post!
I think I just drooled! Those look so pretty and so delicious!
Pears with chocolate gelato!! OMG!! What a great idea!!
These look so yummy! Thanks for the recipe!
Now that is posh nosh! Anything in wine is posh nosh to me – she who cannot cook. If I ever decide to make dinner for my husband again (and he has begged me not to) I may try this. I will burn it but, I will still try. Thank you. 🙂
What a great excuse to “drink” some wine! (smile) Thank you so much for sharing these healthy, delicious easy poached pears in wine with us on the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.
What a great idea! I may just make this dessert for my upcoming Book Club meeting! I am so delighted that you shared this healthy and delicious poached pears in wine recipe with us at the Plant-Based Potluck Party Link Up. I’m pinning and sharing.
Now that’s a double yum. Pears and wine!