Discover the elegance and simplicity of a classic dessert with a twist - cider-poached pears. This recipe transforms the humble pear into a sophisticated treat that's both indulgent and healthy, and makes for a perfect end to a meal.
Most ingredients for this recipe are easily accessible, but star anise and cinnamon stick, integral for infusing the cider, may not be in your pantry. Star anise is a spice with a sweet, licorice-like flavor, and cinnamon sticks provide a warm, spicy note. These can be found in the spice aisle of your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Cider-Poached Pears
Pear: The star of this recipe, choose a firm and ripe one.
Apple cider: Adds a tangy-sweet flavor.
Orange juice: Provides a refreshing citrus note.
Star anise: Delivers a sweet, licorice-like flavor.
Cinnamon stick: Infuses warmth and spice.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness.
Greek yogurt: Gives a creamy contrast.
Almonds: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
One reader, Cyndi Hathaway says:
The cider-poached pears recipe is a delightful treat! The pears were perfectly tender and infused with the warm, comforting flavors of apple cider and spices. The glaze added a lovely sweetness, and the combination with Greek yogurt and toasted almonds was simply divine. A must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Techniques Required for Cider-Poached Pears Recipe
How to poach pears: Poaching pears involves gently simmering them in a flavorful liquid until they are tender. This technique requires monitoring the heat to ensure the pears cook evenly and don't become mushy.
How to reduce a glaze: Reducing a glaze involves simmering a liquid mixture until it thickens and becomes syrupy. This technique requires patience and careful attention to prevent burning.
How To Make Cider Poached Pears
These poached pears with cider and orange juice are a great fall fruit dessert. They are perfectly spiced with cinnamon, vanilla, and star anise.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1pear
- 1cupapple cider
- ⅔cuporange juice
- 2star anise
- 1cinnamon stick
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 2tbspGreek yogurt
- ⅓cupalmond,handful
Instructions
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Peel the pear, cut in half and core.
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Add the cider, orange juice, star anise, cinnamon stick and vanilla extract to a small to medium pan.
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Bring to boil, then reduce to a simmer.
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Add the pear halves and poach at a low-medium heat for 10 to 20 minutes.
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Remove the pear halves when cooked.
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Reduce the rest of the mixture over a medium heat until it is a thicker glaze.
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Serve the pears with a dollop of greek yogurt, a handful of toasted almonds and the glaze.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 317.03kcal
- Fat: 13.65g
- Saturated Fat: 1.58g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.83g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.17g
- Carbohydrates: 44.85g
- Fiber: 7.26g
- Sugar: 29.89g
- Protein: 7.80g
- Cholesterol: 2.39mg
- Sodium: 16.00mg
- Calcium: 129.69mg
- Potassium: 610.94mg
- Iron: 2.22mg
- Vitamin A: 9.71µg
- Vitamin C: 46.93mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Cider-Poached Pears
To ensure your pears are poached evenly, it's important to rotate them occasionally while they're simmering in the cider mixture. This will allow all parts of the pear to absorb the flavors and become tender. Additionally, using a pan that fits the pears snugly will help keep them submerged in the liquid for optimal poaching.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Poached Pears in Cider
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multitask: While the pears are poaching, prepare the glaze or toast the almonds to save time.
Use ripe pears: Choose ripe pears to reduce poaching time and ensure a tender, flavorful result.
Simmer efficiently: Keep the poaching liquid at a gentle simmer to cook the pears evenly without overcooking them.
Quick cooling: Speed up the cooling process by transferring the poached pears to an ice bath before serving.
Substitute Ingredients For Cider Poached Pears Recipe
pear - Substitute with apple: Apples can be used as a substitute for pears in this recipe as they have a similar texture and will also absorb the flavors of the poaching liquid well.
apple cider - Substitute with white grape juice: White grape juice can be used as a substitute for apple cider to provide a sweet and fruity base for poaching the pears.
orange juice - Substitute with pineapple juice: Pineapple juice can be used as a substitute for orange juice to add a tropical and tangy flavor to the poaching liquid.
star anises - Substitute with clove: Cloves can be used as a substitute for star anise to add a warm and aromatic flavor to the poaching liquid.
cinnamon stick - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can be used as a substitute for cinnamon stick to add a warm and slightly sweet flavor to the poaching liquid.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract to add a nutty and sweet flavor to the poaching liquid.
greek yogurt - Substitute with coconut yogurt: Coconut yogurt can be used as a substitute for Greek yogurt to provide a creamy and dairy-free alternative.
almond - Substitute with pecan: Pecans can be used as a substitute for almonds to add a slightly sweeter and richer flavor to the dish.
Presenting Cider-Poached Pears for Maximum Appeal
Elevate the plating: Arrange the poached pear halves in a visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring they are the focal point of the dish.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the toasted almonds around the plate with precision, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Drizzle the glaze strategically: Use a small spoon to carefully drizzle the reduced cider glaze around the pears, creating an artistic and appetizing design on the plate.
Incorporate a touch of greenery: Add a sprig of fresh mint or a delicate edible flower to the plate for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Use elegant serving ware: Select sophisticated and refined serving dishes that complement the dish and enhance the overall dining experience.
Pay attention to negative space: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by ensuring there is enough negative space on the plate to allow the dish to shine without overcrowding.
Consider the balance of textures: Aim to create a harmonious balance of textures, ensuring that each element on the plate contributes to a delightful dining experience.
Highlight the contrast of colors: Pay attention to the color contrast on the plate, ensuring that the pears, glaze, and garnishes create a visually striking and appetizing composition.
Essential Tools for Making Cider-Poached Pears
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, and cooking small quantities of food.
Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or holes, used for lifting and draining foods from liquids.
Measuring cups: Used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
Peeler: A tool used to remove the outer skin or peel of fruits and vegetables.
Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving food, often with an attractive design.
Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot, used for picking up and holding foods.
Small saucepan: A smaller version of a saucepan, used for heating or cooking small amounts of food or liquids.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients.
Plates: Flat, round dishes used for serving and eating food.
Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soups, stews, and sauces.
Dessert plates: Smaller plates used for serving desserts or small portions of food.
Pastry brush: A cooking utensil used for spreading butter, oil, or glazes on food.
Individual bowls: Small bowls used for serving individual portions of food.
Aluminum foil: A thin, pliable sheet of aluminum used for covering and wrapping food.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
Serving spoon: A large spoon used for serving food from a serving dish or bowl.
Oven mitts: Insulated gloves or mitts used to protect hands when handling hot dishes or cookware.
Storing and Freezing Cider-Poached Pears for Later
Once the pears have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The poaching liquid will continue to infuse the pears with flavor as they sit.
To freeze the poached pears for later enjoyment, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, along with some of the reduced poaching liquid. Be sure to leave some headspace for expansion during freezing. Label the container with the date and contents.
Frozen poached pears can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the pears in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat the poached pears, place them in a saucepan with some of the reserved poaching liquid and warm gently over low heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the pears in a microwave-safe dish for a minute or two, checking and stirring every 30 seconds.
If you have leftover reduced poaching liquid, store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This flavorful syrup can be drizzled over ice cream, yogurt, or used as a glaze for other desserts.
How To Reheat Leftover Cider-Poached Pears
- To reheat leftover cider-poached pears, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gentle heat will help warm the pears without overcooking them or altering their texture.
- Place the poached pears in an oven-safe dish and cover them with foil. The foil will help retain moisture and prevent the pears from drying out during the reheating process.
- If you have any leftover poaching liquid, pour a few tablespoons over the pears before covering them with foil. This will add extra moisture and help revive the flavors of the spices and vanilla.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the pears are warmed through. The exact reheating time will depend on the size of your pears and how cold they were to begin with.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the poached pears in the microwave. Place the pears in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp paper towel. This will help create steam and prevent the pears from drying out.
- Microwave the pears on high for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through. Check the pears every 30 seconds to ensure they don't overcook or become mushy.
- Once the pears are warm, remove them from the oven or microwave and let them cool slightly before serving. If you have any leftover glaze, reheat it in a small saucepan or in the microwave until it's warm and drizzle it over the pears.
- Serve the reheated cider-poached pears with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted almonds, just as you would with freshly poached pears. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this delightful dessert!
Interesting Fact About Cider-Poached Pears
Cider-poached pears are a classic dessert that originated in France. The poaching process allows the pears to absorb the flavors of the cider, orange juice, and spices, resulting in a deliciously fragrant and tender fruit. This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visually stunning dish, making it a perfect choice for entertaining or special occasions.
Is Making Cider-Poached Pears at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this cider-poached pears recipe is quite high. Pears are generally affordable, and the additional ingredients are commonly found in households. The use of apple cider and orange juice adds a delightful flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10, making it a budget-friendly and impressive dessert option.
Are Poached Pears in Cider Healthy or Unhealthy?
The cider-poached pears recipe is a relatively healthy dessert option. Here's why:
- Pears are a nutritious fruit, rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
- The recipe uses natural sweeteners like apple cider and orange juice instead of refined sugar
- Greek yogurt provides a good source of protein and calcium
- Almonds offer healthy fats, protein, and fiber
- The spices used (star anise, cinnamon, and vanilla) have potential health benefits and add flavor without extra calories
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved:
- The recipe doesn't specify the type of pear, but choosing a lower-sugar variety like Bosc or Anjou could further reduce the overall sugar content
- While the natural sweeteners are better than refined sugar, the recipe still contains a significant amount of sugar from the cider and juice
To make this recipe even healthier, you could:
- Reduce the amount of apple cider and orange juice to lower the sugar content
- Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of the natural sugars
- Increase the amount of Greek yogurt to boost the protein content
- Add more almonds or other nuts for extra healthy fats and fiber
- Serve the pears with a side of fresh berries for added nutrients and fiber
By incorporating these changes, you can transform this dessert into an even more nutritious and guilt-free treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth. The key is to find a balance between healthful ingredients and indulgent flavors, ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious dessert while still nourishing your body.
Editor's Opinion on This Cider-Poached Pears Recipe
This cider-poached pears recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and warm flavors. The use of apple cider and orange juice creates a fragrant poaching liquid, infusing the pears with a delicious essence. The addition of star anise and cinnamon adds depth, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma. Serving the pears with a dollop of Greek yogurt and toasted almonds provides a lovely contrast in texture and flavor. The reduction of the poaching liquid into a glaze adds a beautiful finishing touch. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and elegant dessert option.
Why trust this Cider Poached Pears Recipe:
This recipe uses fresh, ripe pears poached in a flavorful mixture of apple cider, orange juice, and aromatic spices like star anise and cinnamon. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicate and fragrant poaching liquid that infuses the pears with a rich, complex flavor. The addition of vanilla extract adds a touch of sweetness and warmth to the dish. The final presentation, with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted almonds, elevates the dish to a delightful and satisfying dessert.
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