We are at it again…but starting a bit early this year for the 12 Desserts of Christmas.
Tonight will be the first night – we are serving
Poached Pears with Vanilla Ice Cream, Pomegranate Seeds and Spiced Wine Sauce.
Poached Pears
Ingredients: 1/2 bottle (1 1/2 cups) red wine
1 lemon
1 navel orange, quartered
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 vanilla bean, split, or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick
5 cloves
4 small ripe pears (any variety), peeled
Vanilla Ice Cream (optional)
Directions
1. In a small saucepan, off the heat, combine the wine, the juice from the lemon and orange, 1 of the squeezed orange quarters, the sugar, vanilla, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
2. Add the pears and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, turning the pears occasionally, until they’re easily pierced with the tip of a knife, about 25 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pears to individual plates.
3. Remove and discard the orange quarter and spices. Return the liquid to a simmer and cook until syrupy and reduced by two-thirds, about 15 minutes, depending on size of pan. Spoon the sauce over the pears and ice cream.