Pears In Wine
Pears in wine offer a sophisticated dessert with tender pears soaked in a rich wine syrup, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the bottom of each pear so they stand upright in a baking dish.
- Combine Burgundy wine, Tawny Port, sugar, and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Boil the mixture for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Pour the warm wine mixture over the pears.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, basting twice during baking.
- Serve the pears warm with ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using a mix of ripe and firm pears for a variety of textures. If you don't have Tawny Port, a sweet dessert wine or even apple cider could work as a substitute. For a spicier kick, add a few cloves or a pinch of nutmeg to the wine mixture. This recipe can also be made ahead and chilled, making it perfect for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked pears warm, drizzled with the reduced wine sauce for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, making for a delightful dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad, such as Oriental Salad - Marinated, to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of wine to maintain moisture, or microwave them for about 30 seconds until warmed through. Avoid overheating to preserve their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pears In Wine contains roughly 507 calories, with 6g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 5g 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 a different type of wine?
Yes, you can substitute the Burgundy wine with any dry red wine, and for the Tawny Port, a sweet dessert wine or even a sweet red wine could work. Just remember that the flavor of the wine will influence the final taste of the dish, so choose one that you enjoy drinking.
How do I know when the pears are done baking?
The pears are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, usually around 45 minutes of baking at 350°F. Be sure to baste them twice during baking to ensure they soak up all the delicious flavors from the wine mixture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Certainly! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the ice cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk ice cream or a fruit sorbet. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so you can enjoy this delightful dessert without any animal products.
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).