Description
Mary Berry’s Poached Pears are pears that are cooked gently in a sugar syrup flavored with spices, wine, and citrus. The process allows the pears to soften and absorb the delicate flavors of the poaching liquid, resulting in a tender, subtly sweet dessert. The poaching liquid can then be reduced into syrup, adding even more flavor when served.
Ingredients
- Pears: 4 firm but ripe pears (such as Conference or Bosc), peeled, leaving the stem intact.
- Caster sugar: 200g (7 oz), to sweeten the poaching liquid.
- White wine: 500ml (17 fl oz), for added depth of flavor (you can also use water or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version).
- Lemon: 1, zest and juice, for freshness.
- Cinnamon stick: 1, to infuse the liquid with warm spice.
- Vanilla pod: 1, split, to add subtle sweetness and fragrance.
- Cloves: 2-3, to enhance the spiced flavor.
- Water: 500ml (17 fl oz), to dilute the poaching liquid.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Poaching Liquid
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the white wine, water, caster sugar, lemon zest and juice, cinnamon stick, vanilla pod, and cloves.
- Heat the Liquid: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved completely.
2. Poach the Pears
- Peel the Pears: While the poaching liquid heats, peel the pears, leaving the stems intact for presentation.
- Add the Pears: Gently place the peeled pears into the simmering poaching liquid, ensuring they are fully submerged. You can cover the pears with a small plate or parchment paper to keep them submerged.
- Simmer: Let the pears simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife. The cooking time may vary depending on the ripeness of the pears.
3. Reduce the Poaching Liquid (Optional)
- Remove the Pears: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the pears from the poaching liquid and set them aside on a serving dish.
- Reduce the Syrup: If desired, increase the heat and simmer the poaching liquid until it reduces by about half and thickens into a syrup.
4. Serve the Pears
- Drizzle the Syrup: Pour the reduced poaching syrup over the pears.
- Serve: Serve the poached pears warm or chilled, as you prefer. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or mascarpone for an extra touch of indulgence.