Are you seeking a dessert that combines the delicate sweetness of pears with the richness of creme anglaise? Poached pears, a classic French dessert, offer a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. Prepared using a simple poaching technique, pears are gently simmered in a flavorful liquid until tender and infused with fragrant spices. The resulting pears are then paired with a velvety creme anglaise, which adds a luscious and creamy complement to the dish. Whether served as an elegant finale to a special meal or enjoyed as a comforting treat, poached pears with creme anglaise promise a culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
POACHED PEARS WITH CREME ANGLAISE
Beautiful desert for romance or holidays. Prepare the creme anglaise at least 2 hours or up to 2 days in advance. Prep time includes minimum chill time.
Provided by Karen From Colorado
Categories Dessert
Time 4h
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- To make the creme anglaise, rinse the inside of a non aluminum saucepan with water and shake out the excess.
- Pour in the milk and place over medium-low heat until bubbles form around the edges of the pan, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the whole eggs, egg yolk, and sugar; whisk just until blended.
- Gradually whisk in half of the hot milk, then pour the egg mixture back into the pan.
- Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, leaving a clear trail when your finger is drawn through it, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in the vanilla.
- Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and let cool.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or for up to 2 days.
- Julienne the zest from the lemon and set aside (reserve the lemon for the juice).
- With an apple corer or a small, sharp knife, carefully core each pear from the bottom.
- Trim the bottoms so they stand upright.
- Leaving the stems intact, peel the pears.
- In a large non aluminum stockpot, combine the pomegranate juice, brown sugar, lemon zest, juice from the reserved lemon and cinnamon stick.
- Bring to boil over high heat, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Place pears on their sides in the liquid and cook, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes.
- In the meantime, seed the pomegranates by cutting them in half (careful, the juice can stain).
- Fill a large bowl with cool water.
- Holding the cut fruit under the water, peel back the skin and membrane to release the seeds, allowing them to sink to the bottom of the bowl.
- Discard peels and membrane; drain and reserve the seeds.
- Carefully turn the pears over and cook until a small knife can be inserted easily into the bottom of the pear, 10 or 15 minutes longer.
- Once the pears are done, remove them from the cooking liquid and stand upright on individual serving plates.
- Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
- Pour about 2 cups of the poaching liquid into a small saucepan; simmer over medium-low heat until reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
- Mix orange liqueur and cornstarch together in a small bowl.
- Gradually whisk the orange liqueur mixture into the reduced poaching liquid; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens to a glaze, about 10 minutes.
- Pour a little of the glaze over each pear, then spread some of the creme anglaise around the bottoms of each one.
- Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and garnish with a mint sprig.
- Serve the remaining glaze alongside.
POACHED PEARS WITH VANILLA CREAM
There's no need to make a special sauce for these pears; just mix a little vanilla ice cream with the pear juices.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Time 20m
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Peel 4 firm, ripe Bosc pears, and core from the bottom using a melon baler, leaving stems intact. In a 2-qart microwave-safe dish with a lid, place 2 tablespoons light-brown sugar and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, and add pears. Cover, and microwave on high until the pears are tender enough to pierce with a knife, 10 to 12 minutes (timing will vary depending upon ripeness of pears). Don't be concerned if pears fall over on their sides as they cook. Carefully uncover, as dish lid will release steam.
- Transfer cooked pears to four shallow serving bowls, leaving juices behind. Add 1/4 cup vanilla ice cream to the juices of the dish; stir until smooth and saucy. Dividing evenly, spoon sauce around the pears; serve at room temperature or chilled.
- Whip the cream: In a large bowl, whisk remaining 2/3 cup cream and granulated sugar until soft peaks form.
- Assemble: In each of eight shallow dishes, arrange 2 banana halves lengthwise. Place 2 scoops ice cream on bananas. Top with butterscotch sauce, whipped cream, and, if desired, peanuts and a cherry.
POACHED PEARS WITH GRAND MARNIER CUSTARD SAUCE
Poached pears are always a lovely, simple ending to an elegant dinner. The Grand Marnier scented creme anglaise puts this version over the top.
Provided by evelynathens
Categories Dessert
Time 1h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Make Grand Marnier Custard Sauce.
- For pears: Squeeze juice from 1 ½ of the lemons; measure and reserve 3 tblsps of the juice.
- Add remaining juice to large bowl of cold water.
- Using corer or small, thin-bladed knife, core one pear, leaving stem intact, through the blossom end.
- Pare and place in acidulated water.
- Repeat with remaining pears.
- Mix 3 cups water and sugar in saucepan large enough to hold all the pears.
- Heat, stirring frequently, over medium heat until sugar dissolves and liquid begins to boil.
- Stir in reserved lemon juice.
- Drain pears and place in simmering syrup.
- Cook uncovered, turning carefully occasionally, over medium heat until tender, 35-45 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Cut 4 very thin slices from remaining lemon half.
- Add vanilla and lemon slices to poaching liquid.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate, covered, until cold.
- Remove pears with slotted spoon to individual dessert plates; spoon custard sauce over pears; garnish with orange zest.
Tips:
- Choose ripe but firm pears for poaching. This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Use a variety of spices and flavorings in your poaching liquid to create a unique and flavorful dish. Common spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and star anise. Popular flavorings include vanilla extract, orange zest, and lemon zest.
- Poach the pears until they are tender but still hold their shape. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of pear and the desired level of doneness.
- Serve the poached pears warm or chilled. They can be enjoyed on their own, or topped with crème anglaise, whipped cream, or ice cream.
Conclusion:
Poached pears are a classic dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. They are relatively easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a little creativity, you can create a delicious and elegant dessert that will impress your family and friends.
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