Poached Pears Grape Syrup (Printable)
Tender pears simmered in fragrant grape syrup with warm spices, perfect for a light elegant dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 4 ripe but firm pears, peeled, halved, and cored
→ Syrup
02 - 3 cups red grape juice
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 cinnamon stick
05 - 1 star anise
06 - 1 strip lemon zest
→ Garnish
07 - Fresh mint leaves
08 - Crushed pistachios or toasted almonds
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine grape juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, and lemon zest in a large saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
02 - Add pear halves to the simmering syrup, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cook gently for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender but still holding their shape.
03 - Remove pears with a slotted spoon and set aside. Increase heat and boil syrup for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened and intensified in flavor.
04 - Discard spices and lemon zest. Return pears to syrup and cool to room temperature, or refrigerate until chilled. Serve drizzled with reduced syrup, garnished with mint and nuts if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The grape juice creates the most stunning jewel toned syrup that naturally sweetens without feeling heavy
- These pears look like something from a fancy restaurant but take almost zero effort to make
02 -
- Resist the urge to boil the pears aggressively or they will turn into mush before they cook through
- The pears continue to soften as they cool in the syrup, so remove them from heat while they still have a bit of resistance
03 -
- Choose pears that are firm with just a slight give when pressed, avoiding any that feel mushy or rock hard
- A wide saucepan works better than a tall narrow one so the pears can lie flat in the syrup