Must-Try Champagne Poached Pears

September 14, 2011

Poached pears is a simple and elegant dessert that will impress anyone who eats it. Peeled pears (stem intact) are poached in a flavorful liquid made from champagne, sugar, spices, and lemon zest. I love to serve the pears sliced lengthwise with mascarpone cheese in the middle with a drizzle of reserved syrup. If you have any leftover, store the pears whole in the poaching liquid.

Champagne Poached Pears

Ingredients:

8 Bosc or Bartlett pears

1 bottle champagne or sparkling wine - (750 ml)

1 cup sugar

1 cinnamon stick - (3" long)

5 whole cloves

Zest from 1/2 lemon

Directions:

Peel and core pears, leaving stems intact. Cut a thin slice from bottom of each pear, forming a base for pears to stand on. Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven or other nonreactive large pot. Bring to a simmer and then carefully add pears. Simmer for 15 minutes or until pears are tender.

Serve pears warm.

This recipe yields 8 servings.

Comments: For an elegant presentation, serve individually in teacups.