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The word poaching has gotten a bad wrap. Maybe it sounds pretentious or overly difficult, but honestly it’s a super simple method of cooking something in liquid. That’s it! Certain fruits can become so sweet and flavorful just by poaching them for a few minutes.
Now, maybe you’re wondering what you do with a poached pear. In the fall I think they make a dessert or snack that is unparalleled. Why slave over a difficult dessert when the fruit of the season is ripe and only needs a little preparation?! Try these pears and you’ll not only be amazed at their ease but how you’ll keep wanting more.
I love to serve two halves with a little Greek yogurt or creme fraiche. Then finish with a drizzle of the poaching liquid. This seems so simple but it really is a truly delicious dessert!
Watch how to make these poached pears:
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Poached Pears
Ingredients
- 3 pears (red preferred)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups rosé wine (or pear nectar/juice)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup water (approximately)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 3 cardamom pods (optional) smashed with the back of a knife
- 1 vanilla bean
Instructions
- Cut pears in half and remove seeds and tough ends with melon baller or knife.3 pears (red preferred)
- Melt butter over medium-high heat in a skillet.2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Add pear halves to melted butter, cut side down. Lightly sear pears until they begin to caramelize and turn slightly brown.
- Off heat, add wine, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, and vanilla bean seeds and the bean. Then add just enough water to about cover pears.2 cups rosé wine (or pear nectar/juice), ¼ cup light brown sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 whole cloves, 3 cardamom pods (optional), 1 vanilla bean, ¾ cup water (approximately)
- Cook until the pears are just tender. They can be checked with the tip of a knife.
- At this point, the pears can be chilled in the poaching liquid to be used later. When ready to use, reheat pears before proceeding by bringing the liquid and pears to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once cooked, remove pears from liquid.
- Reduce liquid on high until it is reduced and slightly thickened, about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain into a pitcher before serving.
Nutrition


Thanks for the education Kaleb, I never really knew what poached pears were. Beautiful photos!