Description
Spiced Poached Pears with Mascarpone is a luxurious dessert made by poaching pears in a spiced red wine mixture, then pairing them with a rich mascarpone cream. The spiced poaching liquid infuses the pears with warmth and depth, while the mascarpone cream offers a smooth, creamy balance. Topped with optional garnishes such as macadamia brittle or toasted hazelnuts, it’s a perfect balance of elegance and comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
For the poached pears:
- 4 firm pears (Bosc or Bartlett work well)
- 500 ml red wine (Cabernet or Shiraz)
- 100g caster sugar
- 300 ml water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 2 star anise
- 10 cardamom pods
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- Peel and juice of 1 lemon
For the mascarpone cream:
- 300g mascarpone
- 1 tbsp vanilla essence
- Zest of ½ lemon
Optional garnish:
- Macadamia brittle or toasted hazelnuts
- Reduced poaching syrup
Instructions
- Prep pears: Peel pears and submerge in lemon water to prevent browning.
- Poach: In a pot, combine wine, water, sugar, spices, and lemon peel. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add pears and poach for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Cool: Remove pears and let cool. Strain and reduce the poaching liquid to a syrup.
- Mascarpone cream: Mix mascarpone with vanilla and lemon zest until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
- Plate: Slice pears or serve whole. Spoon mascarpone cream beside or inside pear halves. Drizzle with syrup and sprinkle brittle or nuts.
Notes
These Spiced Poached Pears with Mascarpone are an elegant yet comforting dessert. Serve warm with a dollop of mascarpone, or chill them for a refreshing treat. For an extra touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with crushed nuts before serving
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: European / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear with mascarpone
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Spiced poached pears