Spice House Pears

Name: Spice House Pears
Prep time: PT0D0H0M
Cook time: PT0D0H0M
Total time: PT0D0H0M
Yield: serves 6
Ingredients: 6 pears, peeled; 1 lemon, peeled and juiced, reserve both; 1 bottle dry white wine; 1 1 ⁄ 2 cups sugar; 4 star anise; 1 vanilla bean; 2 sticks cinnamon; 1 ⁄ 4 tsp. saffron threads

Ripe orchard fruit pair elegantly with cinnamon, saffron, and vanilla in this aromatic riff on a classic dessert.

Serves
serves 6

ANTOINE BOOTZ

By SAVEUR Editors

Published on January 19, 2007

These classic poached pears make an elegant fall or winter dessert. To ensure a clear and potent poaching liquid, be sure to use fresh whole spices rather than powdered; if you're unable to source whole spices locally, look to Penzys for a comprehensive online selection. Any leftover liquid may be saved in the fridge and used to sweeten cocktails or to brush over simple cakes.

Featured in "The Best Little Spice House in America."

Ingredients

6 pears, peeled
1 lemon, peeled and juiced, reserve both
1 bottle dry white wine
1 ¹⁄₂ cups sugar
4 star anise
1 vanilla bean
2 sticks cinnamon
¹⁄₄ tsp. saffron threads

ADVERTISEMENTAD

Instructions

Step 1

Place pears in lemon water to prevent discoloring.

Step 2

Combine wine, 1 cup water, sugar, star anise, vanilla bean, cinnamon, and lemon peel in a large saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat, add pears, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove pears and cool.