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Elegant Vanilla Bourbon Poached Pears

A single, glistening poached pear coated in a rich, amber glaze, sitting on a small white plate.
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Make tender, juicy pears infused with vanilla and bourbon. This easy recipe creates a show-stopper dessert perfect for holidays or any elegant occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 firm but ripe Bosc or Anjou pears
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup bourbon
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 strip orange zest

Instructions

  1. Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Use a melon baller or small spoon to carefully core them from the bottom.
  2. In a saucepan large enough to hold the pears standing up, combine the water, bourbon, sugar, vanilla bean seeds and pod, cinnamon sticks, and orange zest.
  3. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Gently place the peeled pears into the simmering liquid. The liquid should mostly cover the pears; if not, add a little more water.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan partially, and let the pears poach for 20 to 35 minutes, depending on their size and ripeness. Turn them occasionally so they cook evenly. The pears are done when a knife easily pierces the thickest part.
  6. Carefully remove the pears from the liquid and set them aside.
  7. Increase the heat to medium-high and boil the remaining poaching liquid, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the syrup reduces and thickens slightly. Remove the vanilla bean, cinnamon sticks, and orange zest.
  8. To serve, place one warm pear in a bowl. Spoon the reduced vanilla bourbon syrup over the pear. Serve with a dollop of mascarpone or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • You can make these poached pears ahead of time. Store the cooled pears submerged in the strained syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently before serving.
  • For an even more elegant presentation, serve the pears with a side of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans.
  • If you prefer a less alcoholic syrup, substitute half the bourbon with apple juice or water.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mistyplate.com/poached-pears-vanilla-bourbon-elegant-dessert/