Poached Pears with Honey Mascarpone Cream
This elegant and easy
dessert looks so much more complicated than it actually is!
The key to success with this recipe is to choose a naturally firm pear varietal,
such as the red Anjou used here. You also want to use pears that are not quite
ripe for this dish. Softer pear varieties and/or overly ripe specimens have a
tendency to turn to mush while cooking, so it pays to choose carefully while
shopping.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 6
Poached Pears Ingredients:
3 c. Riesling or other sweet white whine
1/3 c. honey
3 whole cinnamon sticks
2 t. whole cloves
3 whole star anise
6 firm pears, peeled
dash ground cinnamon, for garnish
Honey Mascarpone Cream Ingredients:
8 oz. mascarpone cheese,
softened to room temperature
3 T. half & half
3 T. runny honey
2 t. pure vanilla extract
2 t. organic orange zest
Directions:
- Combine white wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, cloves,
and star anise in a large skillet with high sides. Bring the mixture to a
gentle simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the honey
is melted and the spices become fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- In the meantime, halve the pears and carefully remove
the seeds with the tip of a potato peeler or small spoon.
- Carefully add the pears to the simmering poaching
liquid. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the
pears are tender. Do not overcook.
- While the pears are poaching, place the softened
mascarpone cheese and half & half in the bowl of a stand mixer and whip
until light and airy. (If you don’t have a stand mixer, use a hand-held mixer
to blend).
- Add the honey, vanilla extract, and orange zest and
whip until combined. Place in the fridge to chill before serving.
- Remove pears from heat and cool slightly. Serve
immediately with a spoonful of the honey mascarpone cream and a dash of
cinnamon. Top with a drizzle of the poaching liquid, if desired. Enjoy!