Pears Poached In Port
Poached pears in rich port wine with aromatic cinnamon and orange peel create a luxurious, flavorful dessert perfect for special occasions or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan just large enough to fit pears, combine sugar, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange peel.
- Bring the mixture to a low boil and cook for a few minutes; then remove from heat and cool.
- Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact.
- Cut a small bit off the bottom of each pear so they can stand upright.
- Place the pears in a bowl and cover with mild salt water until ready to cook.
- Drain the pears and place them into the syrup pan.
- Add port wine to the pan and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook, occasionally spooning syrup over the pears, until tender but not mushy (about 15 minutes).
- Serve each pear upright and spoon syrup over.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the syrup, consider adding a few cloves or a splash of vanilla extract. If you don't have Port wine, you can substitute with a sweet red wine or a mixture of grape juice and a splash of brandy. Ensure the pears are ripe but firm to hold their shape during poaching.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the poached pears upright in shallow bowls, drizzled with syrup. They pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful contrast, serve alongside a light salad like Tomato And Orange Salad With Orange Honey Dressing to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover poached pears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the pears in their syrup on the stove over low heat until warmed through. Avoid boiling to maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pears Poached In Port contains roughly 353 calories, with 6g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (203% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 24g 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 wine for poaching the pears?
Yes, while Port wine adds a rich flavor, you can use other sweet wines like Marsala or even a fruity white wine. Adjust the sugar in the syrup if the wine is less sweet to achieve the desired flavor.
How do I know when the pears are done poaching?
The pears are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. This typically takes about 15 minutes, but times may vary depending on the size and ripeness of the pears.
Can I prepare the pears in advance for a dinner party?
Absolutely! You can poach the pears a day ahead and store them in their syrup in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving to maintain their texture and flavor, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.
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).