Pears in red wine

You may not know that this such a traditional dessert of Pears in wine that you've surely heard about is an extremely easy recipe to make. Besides being delicious and elegant! Dive into the fascinating tradition of Red Wine Pears!

This dessert, which has left its mark on European cuisine, invites you to discover a unique combination of juicy pears infused in a captivating blend of red wine, star anise and orange zest. It's a perfect recipe for romantic dinners, festive celebrations or simply to add a gourmet touch to your everyday life.

In my kitchen, I find that preparing Red Wine Pears is a unique and charming experience. The simplicity and elegance of this recipe make it a delicious option to surprise your guests. From pairing them with vanilla ice cream to presenting them in individual glasses for a more refined touch, this recipe adapts to any occasion.

Discover how Red Wine Pears can become the perfect culinary jewel for your most special moments. Follow tradition and let the flavors take you on an unforgettable gastronomic journey!

Ingredients

• 4 pears, firm but ripe
• 1 bottle of red wine*
• 1 cup of sugar (approx. 150 g, you can adjust according to your sweetness preference)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 star anise
• 1 orange peel (without the white pith) or 2 slices of whole oranges (a few millimeters thick)
• Zest of 1 lemon (without the white pith), optional
• 3 cloves
• 1 vanilla pod (optional)
• Water (optional**, personally to avoid)
• Whipped cream (for serving, optional)

Preparation

1. Prepare the pears: Peel the pears, leaving the stem intact. Cut a small portion from the base so they stand upright.
2. Prepare the wine: in a 20 or 22 cm Le Creuset casserole (I use the heart casserole), pour in the bottle of red wine. Add the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, anise, the orange peel or slices, if desired the lemon peel and the vanilla pod (if used). Mix well and bring to a boil.
3. Cook the pears: Place the pears in the wine mixture so they are submerged. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the pears are tender.
4. You can poke them with a fork to check the texture. Be careful not to overcook them so they don't fall apart.
5. Chill and serve: Remove the pears from the casserole and place them on individual plates.
6. Boil the wine mixture over medium to high heat for about 15 minutes, until it reduces and acquires a syrupy consistency.
7. Pour the syrup over the pears and let cool.
8. Refrigerate the pears before serving, if you prefer.
9. You can garnish with whipped cream before serving.

How to present your red wine pears

1. Classic accompaniment: Serve the pears on individual plates with a generous portion of their red wine syrup. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a touch of chantilly cream for a decadent touch.

2. Presentation in glasses: Opt to serve the pears in elegant glasses, dessert, placing each half in its own glass and pouring some of the cooking liquid over them. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of color and freshness.

3. Shared platter: Place the pears on a large plate and pour the cooking juice over them. Serve with small portions of mascarpone or blue cheese cream for a delicious contrast (and a very French touch).

4. Add berries: Complete the presentation with a mix of berries like strawberries, raspberries or blueberries. The acidity and freshness of the berries will perfectly complement the sweetness of the pears.

5. Top with nuts: Lightly sprinkle with toasted nuts or almonds to add a delicious crunch. This will not only provide texture but also an extra flavor that blends perfectly with the Set.

6. Chocolate touch: Chocolate never fails! Add dark chocolate shavings or fine grating over the pears before serving. The contrast between the chocolate and the red wine mixture will be simply irresistible.

7. Alternative ice cream flavors: Experiment with more daring ice cream flavors, such as cinnamon, ginger, hazelnut or walnut, or even pistachio ice cream. These unique flavors can enhance the experience.

Notes

• For this recipe it's ideal to use a casserole of small diameter (that's why we use the corazón, or you can use a 20 or 22 cm casserole) or a Shallow Casserole, in short, with high sides and a small diameter: this way, with the volume of one bottle it gains height and can cover the pears. If they aren't fully covered, make sure to keep turning them or add a little water to increase the liquid in the casserole.
• You can substitute the orange peel with orange slices in the red wine pears recipe. This variation will add a different, milder citrus touch to the mixture, since the orange slices will release their flavor during cooking
• *Remember that the choice of wine can influence the final taste of the dish. You can opt for a more robust, full-bodied red wine to give depth to the flavor. Also, keep in mind that the wine should be drinkable, as its characteristics will transfer to the preparation. If you prefer a sweeter touch to the pears, you can add a little sugar or honey to the wine before cooking.
• **Water is optional and can be added only if necessary to ensure the pears are completely submerged in the wine mixture. If you already have enough wine to cover the pears, it is not necessary to add water. It is a measure to guarantee even cooking of the pears. Still, if they are not fully covered I personally prefer to turn them often rather than add water.