Poached Pears in White Wine with Crème Fraîche

Delicately poached pears infused with white wine and spices, served with a dollop of tangy crème fraîche. A light and refreshing dessert perfect after a rich meal.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Calories

330 kcal

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

3 items

Cost

£3.00/serving

Season:

Meal Type:

Cuisine:

Dietary:

Mood:

Ingredients

Servings

4Pears(Firm, such as Bosc or Anjou)

£2.00

750mlDry White Wine(Such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)

£7.00

1cupWater

0.5cupGranulated Sugar

£0.30

1Lemon(Juice and zest)

£0.60

1Cinnamon Stick

£0.20

1Star Anise(Optional)

£0.30

0.5cupCrème Fraîche

£1.20

0.5teaspoonVanilla Extract(Optional, for crème fraîche)

£0.40

Total Cost

£12.00

£3.00 per serving

Instructions

1.
Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Carefully core the pears from the bottom using a melon baller or small spoon.
2.
In a saucepan, combine the white wine, water, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon stick, and star anise (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3.
Gently place the pears into the simmering wine mixture. The pears should be mostly submerged. If needed, add a little more water to cover.
4.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and poach the pears for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Turn the pears occasionally to ensure even poaching.
5.
Carefully remove the pears from the saucepan with a slotted spoon and place them in a serving dish or individual bowls.
6.
Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer the poaching liquid, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, or until it has reduced to a syrup consistency. Discard the cinnamon stick and star anise.
7.
While the liquid is reducing, gently whisk the crème fraîche with the vanilla extract (if using) in a small bowl.
8.
Pour the reduced wine syrup over the pears. Top each pear with a dollop of crème fraîche and serve warm or chilled.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (300g)

330 kcal / 1381 kJ

Carbs

45g

17% of RDA

Fat

13g

19% of RDA

Protein

1.5g

3% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

5 g

17% of RDA

Sugar

38 g

42% of RDA

Sodium

15 mg

1% of RDA

Saturated Fat

8 g

40% of RDA

Chef's Tips

Choose pears that are firm to the touch but not rock hard. Overripe pears will become mushy during poaching.

Adjust the poaching time depending on the ripeness of the pears. Softer pears will require less time.

For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the poaching liquid.

The poached pears can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a rich and savory main course, such as a potato gratin.

Cooking Equipment

Saucepan

Vegetable Peeler

Paring Knife

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Complete the Meal

Main Course

Creamy Spinach and Onion Gratin

A comforting and flavorful side dish featuring spinach, onions, and a creamy cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection.

50 minutes

6 servings

Easy

"Pairs perfectly with this dessert"

Starter

French Radish and Butter Tartines with Sea Salt

Simple yet elegant open-faced sandwiches featuring crisp radishes, creamy butter, and a sprinkle of sea salt. A perfect light appetizer or snack.

10 minutes

4 servings

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"The crisp, peppery radishes and creamy butter offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the gratin. The simple, clean flavors cleanse the palate, preparing it for the savory depth of the spinach and onion dish, while also remaining true to the French cuisine."

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Chef's Tips

Choose pears that are firm to the touch but not rock hard. Overripe pears will become mushy during poaching.

Adjust the poaching time depending on the ripeness of the pears. Softer pears will require less time.

For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the poaching liquid.

The poached pears can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a rich and savory main course, such as a potato gratin.

Poached Pears in White Wine with Crème Fraîche

Ingredients

Instructions