Poires Au Vin Rouge (Pears in Red Wine)

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Anjou recommended)
• 2 bottles (1.5 liters) dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot suggested)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

1 hour and 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Peel the pears, leaving the stems intact. Use a melon baller or teaspoon to remove the core.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the red wine, sugar, water, orange and lemon zest and juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add the pears to the pot and gently stir to coat them in the wine mixture. Cover and reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer the pears for 1 hour, or until they are tender and the wine mixture has thickened.
5. Remove the pears from the pot and let them cool slightly.
6. Serve the pears with the wine mixture spooned over them, garnished with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250 per serving (with whipped cream)
• Fat: 10 grams
• Sugar: 40 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Protein: 2 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Elegant and festive dessert
• Rich, flavorful, and aromatic
• Well-balanced sweetness and acidity
• Pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

User Comments:

• "Absolutely stunning! The pears were perfectly tender and the wine sauce was divine."
• "This was a great dessert for a special occasion. It looked and tasted amazing."
• "I've never tried a poached pear before. This was a delicious introduction."
• "The cinnamon and cloves added such a warm and inviting aroma to the dish."
• "Easy to make and impressive to serve. A must-try for any pear lover."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• The wine mixture may reduce more quickly than anticipated. If necessary, add water 1/4 cup at a time to maintain a poaching liquid.
• Do not overcook the pears, as they will become mushy.
• Use a dry red wine with a medium body for the best flavor.
• Serve the pears warm or at room temperature.
• The dish can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.