Poached Pears Grape Syrup (Print Page)
Tender pears gently simmered in a fragrant, sweet grape juice syrup with warm spices.
# What You Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 4 ripe but firm pears, peeled, halved, and cored
→ Syrup
02 - 3 cups red grape juice
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 cinnamon stick
05 - 1 star anise
06 - 1 strip lemon zest (optional)
→ Garnish (optional)
07 - Fresh mint leaves
08 - Crushed pistachios or toasted almonds
# Directions:
01 - In a large saucepan, combine the grape juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, and lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
02 - Add the pear halves to the simmering syrup, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
03 - Simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the pears occasionally, until they are tender but not falling apart.
04 - Remove the pears with a slotted spoon and set aside. Increase the heat under the syrup and boil for 5 to 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
05 - Discard the spices and lemon zest. Return the pears to the syrup and let cool to room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
06 - Serve the pears drizzled with the syrup, garnished with mint and nuts if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The grape juice creates this stunning natural color that makes everyone think you spent hours on presentation
- Its the kind of dessert that feels elegant but actually lets you focus on your guests while it simmers away peacefully
02 -
- Overly soft pears will turn to mush during poaching. Give them a gentle squeeze at the store. You want some resistance.
- The pears continue absorbing flavor as they cool in the syrup. Making them a day ahead actually improves the taste.
03 -
- The best way to check if pears are tender is to insert a small knife into the thickest part. It should slide in with just a little resistance.
- Save that leftover syrup. It is incredible stirred into oatmeal, drizzled over pancakes, or mixed into sparkling water for a mocktail.