Discover the exquisite taste of Pears Poached in White Wine, Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Cream Cheese Sauce. This dessert not only boasts a sophisticated flavor profile but also presents a beautiful visual appeal. The tender pears, infused with the aromatic blend of wine, vanilla, and spices, complemented by the smoothness of the cream cheese sauce, make this dish a true culinary delight.
Why You'll Love This: Each element of this dessert – from the gently poached pears to the rich, creamy sauce – works in harmony to create a luxurious experience. It's an ideal dessert for those who appreciate a balance of sweet and subtle spice flavors, with the added crunch of pistachios for texture.
Perfect Occasion: This dish is perfect for celebrating special occasions, especially during the festive season. It's also a great choice for dinner parties or as an elegant finish to a gourmet meal.
Decoration Tips: Serve the poached pears on individual plates with a dollop of cream cheese sauce. Drizzle the wine reduction over the top and sprinkle with ground pistachios or almonds for a sophisticated touch. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added visual appeal.
Ingredients:
- 8 small or 4 large pears
- 250g sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Orange peel from one orange
- 3 star anise
- 1 vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 750ml white wine
- Water (enough to cover pears)
- For the Cream Cheese Sauce:
- 200g cream cheese (like Finlandia or mascarpone)
- 150g heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste
- Ground pistachios for garnish
Instructions:
- Peel the pears, trimming the base so they stand upright. For large pears, cut them in half and remove the seeds.
- Place the pears in a pot with sugar, spices, wine, and enough water to cover them. Cook over medium-low heat for 30-45 minutes, or until tender.
- Remove the pears, strain the liquid, and reduce it over the heat until it forms a syrupy reduction, about 15-18 minutes. Cool the pears and reduction to room temperature, then refrigerate.
- Whip all cream cheese sauce ingredients until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
- Serve the pears with cream cheese sauce, drizzle with the wine reduction, and sprinkle with ground pistachios or almonds.
Enjoy this luxurious and festive dessert, a perfect way to end any special meal!