Pears In White Wine
Pears in White Wine is an elegant dessert featuring tender, juicy pears gently poached in fragrant white wine and lemon juice. The result is a light, flavorful treat perfect for sophisticated gatherings or a special ending to a dinner. It combines fruity sweetness with a subtle citrus note.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash pears.
- Pare and core from blossom end but leave stem intact.
- Brush pears with lemon juice.
- Combine white wine and sugar in a large saucepan.
- Bring to boiling, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Lower heat and add pears.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until pears are tender but still firm.
- Let pears cool in the syrup.
- Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
- Drain pears before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider infusing the white wine with spices like cinnamon or star anise while simmering the pears. If you want to reduce sugar, substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. Choose firm varieties such as Bosc or Anjou pears to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pears on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They also pair beautifully with cheese plates, particularly soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese. For a refreshing twist, consider drizzling the pears with a bit of the syrup over a Lemon Fruit Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enjoy them later, simply serve chilled straight from the fridge or allow them to come to room temperature for a more enhanced flavor. Avoid reheating them, as they may become too soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pears In White Wine contains roughly 119 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of fruit instead of pears?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for other fruits like apples or peaches. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as softer fruits may require less simmering to achieve the desired tenderness.
Is it possible to make this recipe non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Substitute the dry white wine with Canned Grape Juice mixed with a bit of lemon juice for tartness. This will still give you a delicious syrup to poach the pears in without any alcohol.
How do I know when the pears are done cooking?
The pears are done when they are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still hold their shape. This usually takes about 10 minutes of simmering. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).