I’m participating in Get Your Chef On for the first time ever, and the secret ingredient this time is pears! So today I’m sharing my favorite pear recipe ever: Merlot Poached Pears!
Pretty, aren’t they? These are the perfect dinner party dessert because they are elegant, delicious, and super easy to make!
Merlot Poached Pears
- 2 pears
- 1 ½ C Merlot (or any red wine)
- ¼ C brown sugar
- 2 T balsamic vinegar
- 2 T orange juice
- 2 T lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
You can easily double or triple this recipe if you need to feed a large group!
Cut the pears in half lengthwise and remove the core.
In a large pan (large enough for all the pear halves to lay flat) combine all ingredients except for the pears and bring to a simmer.
Once it simmers, add the pears, flat sides down. Then cover and continue simmering until the pears are tender. It should take about 15 minutes.
Once the pears are tender, remove them from the wine mixture. Turn the heat up to high and boil to reduce the liquid. Once it’s reduced to about ½ cup, remove the cinnamon stick and cloves, and let the syrup cool and thicken.
Drizzle the syrup over the pears, and enjoy!
Super easy and super delicious!
The pears are also great cold! If you need to make them ahead of time, refrigerate them and the syrup separately, then drizzle with syrup just before serving.
[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:13]
Camille says
So I’m here looking for this week’s party and instead I’m drooling over pears, which I don’t even like! 🙂 Looks delicious (if you like pears)!
Kira @ my sesame seed buns says
Jessi,
The reduction of the Merlot looks delicious! I bet this tasted wonderful with the sweet pears.
I’m your newest follower via FB. Please come visit me over at My Sesame Seed Buns sometime!
Winnie says
I can smell these poached pears via the screen!
Mouth-watering photos and dessert
I actually think that it could be a romantic dessert for 2…:)
Jessi says
Yeah, they’d be great for Valentine’s Day if you’re staying home!
Brittany @ Crafty Mischief says
Fancy schmancy! I’ve never tried poached pears, but I’ll have to give it a shot. They look amazing!
Joanne/Winelady Cooks says
How delicious, easy, and looks like it took forever to make. This is my kind of recipe. Can’t wait to try it.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Jessi says
That’s exactly why I love this! It’s so quick and easy, but it turns out super fancy 🙂
Jen @ Four Marrs & One Venus says
Alright..how yum do these look?! Totally gotta try this! Thanks for cooking with us!
-Jen
Claire @ A Little Claireification says
Those look so elegant and yummy! Loving all of the competition entries!! 🙂 Claire
Meg @ Nutmeg Place says
These look delicious!
Good luck!!
Elizabeth says
What a simple, elegant dessert. Looks absolutely delicious, can’t wait to try!
Monica says
Beautiful! I love the color the merlot gives. I bet these taste divine.