Pears in red wine

Maybe you don't know that this traditional Pears in Wine dessert that you've probably heard about is a very easy recipe to make. In addition to delicious and elegant! Delve into the fascinating tradition of Pears in Red Wine!

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

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

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

Ingredients

• 4 pears, firm but ripe
• 1 bottle of red wine*
• 1 cup sugar (approx. 150 g, you can adjust according to your sweetness preference)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 anise stars
• 1 orange peel (white part removed) or 2 whole orange slices (a few millimeters thick)
• Zest of 1 lemon (white part removed), optional
• 3 cloves
• 1 vanilla bean (optional)
• Water (optional**, personally to avoid)
• Whipped cream (to serve, optional)

Preparation

1. Prepare the pears: Peel the pears, leaving the stem intact. Cut a small portion at the base so they stand up.
2. Prepare the wine: in a 20 or 22 cm Le Creuset cocotte (I use the heart cocotte ), pour the bottle of red wine. Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, anise, orange peel or slices, lemon peel if you want, and vanilla bean (if using). Mix well and bring to a boil.
3. Cook the pears: Place the pears in the wine mixture so that they are submerged. Reduce heat and simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until pears are tender.
4. You can prick them with a fork to check the texture. Be careful not to overcook them, so they don't fall apart.
5. Cool and serve: Remove the pears from the cocotte and place them on individual plates.
6. Boil the wine mixture over medium to high heat for about 15 minutes, until it reduces to 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 decorate with whipped cream before serving.

How to present your pears to red wine

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

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

4. Add red fruits: Complete the presentation with a mixture of red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries or blueberries. The acidity and freshness of the red fruits will perfectly complement the sweetness of the pears.

5. Nutty Top: Sprinkle lightly with walnuts or toasted almonds to add a delicious crunch. This will not only provide texture, but also an additional flavor that blends perfectly with the whole.

6. Touch of chocolate: Chocolate never fails! Add dark chocolate shavings or fine zest to 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 bolder ice cream flavors, such as cinnamon, ginger, hazelnut or walnut, or even pistachio ice cream. These unique flavors can enhance the experience.

Grades

• For this recipe it is ideal to use a small diameter cocotte (that is why we use the heart, or you can use a 20 or 22 cm cocotte) or a saucepan, in short, with high walls and a small diameter: thus, with the volume of a bottle gains height and can cover the pears. If they are not covered, make sure to turn them or add a little water to increase the liquid in the cocotte.
• You can replace the orange peel with orange slices in the pears in red wine recipe. This variation will add a different, milder citrus touch to the mixture, as the orange slices will release their flavor during cooking.
• *Remember that the choice of wine can influence the final flavor of the dish. You can opt for a more robust and full-bodied red wine to give depth to the flavor. Also, keep in mind that the wine must be good enough to drink, 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, you don't need to add water. It is a measure to guarantee uniform cooking of the pears. Even so, if they are not completely covered, I personally prefer to turn them often than add water.