Sparkling Wine Poached Pears
It seems like every New Year's Eve gathering produces a handful of half-empty (or half-full, if you're trying to look on the bright side of the new year) bottles of sparkling wine left around the house. Just because a wine has lost its bubbles is no reason to toss it out the door...
Poached pears are such an elegant dessert that can be made in advance and couldn't be simpler. It just requires peeling the pears, throwing everything into one pot, and letting it simmer. I love red pears, but you can choose your favorite firm pears.
Ingredients
5 or 6 small pears, peeled
2 cups water
1 3/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup honey
pinch of sea salt
1 bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine
1 cinnamon stick
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Method
1. Using a knife, cut a tiny bit off the bottom of each pear. This allows you to serve it standing up without it rolling over.
2. In a large saucepan or pot (just large enough to hold all the pears), combine the water, sugar, honey, and salt. Over medium heat, stirring occasionally, allow the sugar and honey to melt completely. The liquid should be clear.
3. Add the sparkling wine, cinnamon, and vanilla bean to the pot. Return to low-medium heat and bring to a simmer.
4. Place the pears in the liquid and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the pears are soft and tender, making sure to rotate the pears and stir the liquid occasionally. Remove the pears and transfer to a plate to cool.
5. Adjust the heat to medium-high and boil the poaching liquid for another 15 to 20 minutes, until it has reduced and thickened to the consistency of syrup. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Discard the cinnamon stick and vanilla bean. Serve each pear in a shallow bowl and spoon some of the syrup over each pear. Serve with vanilla ice cream (or, better yet, cinnamon gelato) and a glass of sparkling wine!
Note: If you can't find any small pears, use whatever you can. Just keep in mind that bigger pears will require a longer cooking time. To test for doneness, insert a butter knife or fork into the bottom of a pear. If it goes in easily and feels soft and tender, they're done!
