Red Wine Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce
Category: Desserts | Serves: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Williams Pears | 800g |
| Red Wine | 500g |
| Water | 300g |
| Sugar | 165g |
| Star Anise | 2 |
| Vanilla Bean | 1 |
| Cinnamon Sticks | 1 |
| Black Peppercorns | 10 |
| Fresh Cream (Liquid) | 150g |
| Dark Chocolate (85% Cocoa) | 100g |
Instructions:
To begin preparing this decadent dessert of Red Wine Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce, start with the pears. Begin by carefully washing them, then use a melon baller or paring knife to core them, making sure not to puncture the skin or the stem (1-2). Once cored, peel the pears, but keep the skin around the top as it forms a lovely crown at the stem.
Next, slice the vanilla bean in half lengthwise. In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, vanilla bean, star anise, cinnamon stick, and black peppercorns. Stir to mix, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it starts boiling, add the pears to the pot. Reduce the heat slightly and cover the pot with a lid.
Let the pears simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until they become tender and infused with the wine and spices. Afterward, remove the pears and set them aside.
Now, strain the poaching liquid into another pan to remove the spices and any solids. Continue to simmer the liquid until it reduces by about half. This will concentrate the flavors into a rich syrup.
Once reduced, add the fresh cream to the pan, and stir it into the syrup, blending it well. The result will be a velvety wine reduction sauce.
To prepare the chocolate sauce, gently melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave. Once melted, stir until smooth and silky.
Finally, it’s time to plate. Start by brushing a little of the wine reduction sauce onto the base of your serving plates. Next, take one pear and dip it into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Place it on the plate, using a small bowl beneath the pear to catch any excess chocolate. Repeat the process with the remaining pears.
Drizzle the reduced wine sauce around the pears and serve immediately.
Your Red Wine Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce are now ready to be savored! A perfect combination of fruit, spice, and rich chocolate that’s sure to impress any guest.
