Sometimes I get a little tired of making (and sampling!) cupcakes, cookies, pies, etc. It doesn’t happen often, but whenever it does I always want to try something new. Something fruity, healthy, and drenched in spiced sparking cider syrup…
These poached pears definitely fit the bill! They are sweet, but light and refreshing. Serve them with a scoop of ice cream (vanilla or dulce de leche would pair {hehe} nicely), and there’s no one who’ll resist this after-dinner treat!
Entertaining? Poach the pears the day before, refrigerate them in the syrup, and simply reheat them while your guests are finishing dinner. It couldn’t be easier!
Spiced Sparkling Cider Poached Pears
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle sparkling cider (I used Martinelli’s)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 cups water
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- 1/2 vanilla bean (substitute 1 teaspoon vanilla extract if you don’t have vanilla beans)
- Pinch of ground cloves
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 8 small Anjou pears, peeled and hollowed (use a small spoon to hollow them out, or a small corer)
Instructions:
In a large pot, over medium heat, combine all of the ingredients except the pears.
Bring the syrup to a boil, and boil over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, until the syrup has thickened.
Add the pears.
Simmer on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the pears can be pierced easily with a fork. They should be fork-tender, but not hard or mushy.
Remove the pot from the heat, and let the pears cool.
Serve warm, or refrigerate and re-heat the next day.
Enjoy!
Makes 8 poached pears.
Original recipe by La Casa de Sweets.
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