Elegant Poached Pears with Spiced Wine Reduction

These poached pears are a stunning dessert that looks incredibly sophisticated yet requires minimal effort. The tender pears absorb the aromatic spices and wine, creating a delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors with hints of warm cinnamon and star anise.

Ingredients

• 4 pears (firm but ripe (Bosc or Anjou))
• 2 cup red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1 cup water
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise pods
• 3 cloves
• 1 vanilla bean (split lengthwise)
• 2 strip orange zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 0.25 cup pistachios (toasted, chopped, for garnish)
• mint leaves (fresh, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Use a melon baller to remove the core from the bottom.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine wine, water, sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, vanilla bean, orange zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Gently place pears in the liquid. If they aren't fully submerged, add a bit more water. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until pears are tender when pierced with a knife.
4. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer pears to a plate.
5. Increase heat to medium-high and boil the poaching liquid for about 10 minutes until reduced by half and slightly syrupy.
6. Remove from heat and stir in honey.
7. Place each pear on a serving plate, drizzle with the spiced wine reduction, and sprinkle with chopped pistachios and mint leaves.

Notes