Raise your glass this holiday season as Brew House Chillers puts wine to work in ways that go beyond the classic sip and savor. Red wine is stepping into the culinary spotlight with a performance that will leave your taste buds applauding. And this holiday season, your dessert is going to become number 1!
Time to enter a world of flavor with our Red Wine Poached Pears recipe, complete with drink pairings. This recipe is a sweet holiday experience that proves wine’s talents extend far outside the confines of your Wine Tumbler 4.0.
Red Wine Poached Pears with Spiced Wine Reduction. This recipe serves 4.
Poached Pears Ingredients:
- 4 firm but ripe pears, peeled and halved
- bottle of red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- orange, peel (zest) and juice
- vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Spiced Wine Reduction Ingredients:
- cup red wine
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Whipped cream and chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step One, Prepare the Poaching Liquid:
In a large pot, combine the red wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, orange peel, orange juice, and the seeds scraped from the split vanilla bean.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Also, keep stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Step Two, Poach the Pears:
Carefully place the pear halves into the poaching liquid.
Simmer the pears for about 20-30 minutes or until they are tender but still hold their shape.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the poached pears and set them aside.
Step Three, Make the Spiced Wine Reduction:
In a separate saucepan, combine the additional cup of red wine, honey, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce until it thickens slightly, creating a spiced wine reduction.
Step Four, Plate & Serve:
Arrange the poached pear halves on serving plates.
Drizzle the spiced wine reduction over the pears.
Garnish (Optional):
Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
So that your Brew House Chillers Wine Tumbler 4.0 doesn’t get jealous here are some suggested drink pairings to fill your cup!
Red Wine:
Stay on theme and serve a glass of the same wine used in the recipe. A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the flavors of the pears.
Port Wine:
Opt for a sweet and fortified wine like Port. Intense, fruity notes and sweetness can enhance the overall dessert experience. Serve enough of it, and you can feel free to botch your dessert recipe, no one will notice.
Sparkling Wine:
A Champagne or Prosecco can provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the poached pears. And this, adds a much needed light and refreshing element to any family event.
Dessert Wine:
Choose a late harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato. These wines bring out the sweetness in the pears and complement the spiced wine reduction.
Mulled Wine:
For the ultra-festive bunch! The warm spices echo the spices used in the poached pears, creating a harmonious pairing.
Happy Holidays! We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do, sharing is caring! So, let’s raise a glass to savoring every bite, and surviving holiday gatherings with the help of wine-soaked treats.
Cheers to indulgence and celebrating the holiday season, one sip at a time! May your festivities be as legendary as the pears on your plate!
