Viviana Colombassi:
I love using the best of what the seasons provide, so poaching pears is a quick and simple way to get something sweet together for any lunch or dinner...
Desserts may not always take center stage in everyday meal planning, yet it’s undeniable: a delightful, subtly sweet treat at the conclusion of any meal, whether casual or festive, brings a sense of completion and joy to every table.
For those wishing to enjoy a lighter indulgence—especially as the holiday season’s abundance of sugary confections approaches—this elegant, fruit-forward dessert is a revelation. Naturally sweet pears are gently poached in a fragrant, citrus and spice-infused syrup, resulting in a dish that is sophisticated yet refreshingly simple. Experiment with other autumn fruits such as apples for a twist—just extend the poaching time to ensure a perfectly tender finish.
With its quick preparation and streamlined ingredient list, this dessert is both accessible and impressive. Serve it to delight your guests or treat yourself to a moment of sweet simplicity, and bask in the admiration of fellow food lovers as you present a sophisticated, naturally sweet finale to any meal.
IngredientsTry it with...
Preparation
for 2 servings
Step
1
Of 3
Begin by peeling the pears to reveal their delicate, juicy flesh. To prevent browning, cover the peeled pears with a light squeeze of lemon juice and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine fresh water and granulated sugar. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then add a fragrant cinnamon stick and the zest of a freshly grated lemon to infuse the syrup with aromatic depth.
Step
2
Of 3
Once the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup is fragrant, discard any covering from the pears. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the prepared pears into the cinnamon-citrus syrup.
Let the pears simmer gently, absorbing the nuanced flavors, until they are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork. Once perfectly poached, remove the pears and allow them to cool on a plate.
Step
3
Of 3
Enhance the syrup by stirring in the reserved lemon juice. Continue simmering over low heat until the liquid has reduced by at least half, concentrating its flavor and achieving a lightly thickened consistency. Allow the syrup to cool slightly, then strain it through a medium sieve to remove the cinnamon stick and any zest remnants.
To serve, nestle each poached pear onto an individual plate. Spoon the aromatic, golden syrup over the top and finish with a generous sprinkle of toasted almond flakes. Present at room temperature for maximum flavor and texture.
Try it with...
Filippo Bartolotta
...Great Italian Goodies!
Viviana Colombassi Tuesday 24th of November 2020
Light and flavourful
I love using the best of what the seasons provide, so poaching pears is a quick and simple way to get something sweet together for any lunch or dinner. Fruit-based recipes are a favorite, so I'm delighted to include this one into my recipe books.