Poached Pears Grape Syrup (Printable)
Tender pears simmered in sweet grape juice syrup with warm spices and a hint of citrus zest.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 4 ripe but firm pears, peeled, halved, and cored
→ Syrup
02 - 3 cups red grape juice
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 cinnamon stick
05 - 1 star anise
06 - 1 strip lemon zest (optional)
→ Garnish (optional)
07 - Fresh mint leaves
08 - Crushed pistachios or toasted almonds
# Directions:
01 - Combine grape juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, and lemon zest in a large saucepan. Bring to gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
02 - Add pear halves to simmering syrup, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cook gently for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender but still holding their shape.
03 - Remove pears with slotted spoon and set aside. Increase heat under syrup and boil for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened to desired consistency.
04 - Discard spices and lemon zest. Return pears to reduced syrup. Allow to cool to room temperature or refrigerate until chilled.
05 - Place pear halves on serving plates, drizzle generously with thickened grape syrup. Garnish with fresh mint and crushed nuts if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The grape juice creates a stunning ruby red syrup without any wine or artificial colors
- This dessert comes together in under an hour but tastes like something from a fancy restaurant
02 -
- Overripe pears will fall apart during poaching, so choose ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure
- The syrup continues to thicken as it cools, so do not reduce it too much or it will become sticky
03 -
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or a few whole cloves to the syrup for deeper complexity
- White grape juice creates an equally delicious version with a lighter, golden appearance