Ginger Spiced Poached Pears with Maple Almond Ice Cream

Poached Pear Delight Recipe

Overview:
Poached Pear Delight is a delightful dessert combining tender poached pears with a spicy ginger ice cream, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for special occasions. This recipe is designed to be prepared the day before serving, allowing flavors to meld and ensuring a stress-free assembly just before your guests arrive.

Recipe Information:

• Name: Poached Pear Delight
• Category: Dessert
• Keywords: Pears, Fruit, Canadian, Spicy, Roast, < 60 Mins, Oven, Refrigerator, Freezer, Stove Top
• Servings: 4
• Total Time: 50 minutes (Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 45 minutes)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 vanilla bean, split
• 2 cups sweet dessert wine
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 firm but ripe pears, peeled, halved, and cored
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 534.5
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.2g
• Cholesterol: 31.7mg
• Sodium: 74.8mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 75.6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6.6g
  • Sugars: 55.6g
• Protein: 5g

Recipe Instructions:

Poached Pears:

1. Combine vanilla bean, sweet dessert wine, brown sugar, and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan. Heat and stir over medium-high heat until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Add the pears to the saucepan and bring to a boil.

3. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes. Turn the pears several times during cooking to ensure even poaching, until they are tender.

4. Remove the pears from the poaching liquid and place them in a medium-sized bowl.

5. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick from the poaching liquid. Boil the liquid for about 10 minutes, without stirring, until slightly thickened.

6. Pour the thickened poaching liquid over the pears. Allow to cool, cover, and chill overnight or for at least 8 hours in the refrigerator, turning the pears occasionally to ensure they are evenly infused with flavor.

Ginger Ice Cream:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper.

2. In a small bowl, combine chopped almonds, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the almonds are golden brown. Allow to cool completely, then chop finely.

4. In a separate medium bowl, combine vanilla ice cream, finely chopped crystallized ginger, and the cooled almond mixture. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.

5. Cover the bowl and place it in the freezer. Freeze overnight or for at least 8 hours until the ice cream is firm.

Assembly:

1. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chilled pears and their poaching liquid from the refrigerator.

2. Just before serving, place the poached pear halves into individual serving dishes.

3. Divide the reserved poaching liquid and drizzle it over the pears to add extra flavor and moisture.

4. Serve each pear with 2 scoops of the prepared ginger ice cream on the side.

Serving Tips:

• For an extra touch of elegance, garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of ground cinnamon.
• Serve alongside a complementary dessert wine or a warm cup of spiced tea to enhance the flavors of the poached pears and ginger ice cream.

This Poached Pear Delight recipe not only impresses with its flavors and textures but also offers the convenience of preparation ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for hosting dinners or special gatherings where you want to indulge your guests with a memorable dessert experience. Enjoy the mellow aromas and delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements in every spoonful! 🍐🍨