Old-Fashioned Poached Pears

Old-Fashioned Poached Pears


Old-Fashioned Poached Pears

Ingredients

  • Pears – 4 firm pears (Bosc or Anjou are ideal)
  • Water – 4 cups (1 liter)
  • Sugar – ¾ cup (150 g)
  • Lemon – 1 (zest + juice)
  • Cinnamon stick – 1
  • Whole cloves – 3–4
  • Vanilla bean – 1 (split) or 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Star anise – 1 (optional, very traditional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pears
    Peel the pears, leaving the stems on if possible. Slice a thin piece off the bottom so they stand upright.
  2. Make the poaching syrup
    In a wide saucepan, combine water, sugar, lemon zest and juice, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and star anise. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Poach the pears
    Add pears to the simmering liquid. They should be mostly submerged (turn them occasionally if needed).
    Simmer gently for 20–30 minutes, until tender but not mushy.
  4. Cool in syrup
    Remove from heat and let pears cool in the liquid—this deepens the flavor.
  5. Reduce (optional but lovely)
    Remove pears and boil the syrup until slightly thickened. Spoon over pears before serving.

Serving Ideas (very old-school)

  • Warm with vanilla ice cream
  • Cold with whipped cream
  • With custard, yogurt, or mascarpone
  • Drizzle with the reduced syrup and a crack of black pepper (trust me)

If you want a red-wine version, no-sugar, or holiday-spiced twist, I’ve got you 🍐✨

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