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Mary Berry Poached Pears Recipe

Mary Berry Poached Pears
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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

  1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the white wine, water, caster sugar, lemon zest and juice, cinnamon stick, vanilla pod, and cloves.
  2. 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

  1. Peel the Pears: While the poaching liquid heats, peel the pears, leaving the stems intact for presentation.
  2. 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.
  3. 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)

  1. Remove the Pears: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the pears from the poaching liquid and set them aside on a serving dish.
  2. 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

  1. Drizzle the Syrup: Pour the reduced poaching syrup over the pears.
  2. 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.

Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/mary-berry-poached-pears/