Poached Pears (Valentines day special)

Hi Guys!!

So, tomorrow is Valentines day. Its certainly a day I really enjoy, if not for anything, just for the fact that at least one day in the year, people care about companionship. Of course every one has their own interpretation of the day, and what it means to them. So those of us that are 'bae-less' or 'boo-less' this year, we are definitely going to turn-up in our own way. 

Its quite interesting it falls on a sunday this year though. I certainly can't wait to see how it would be incorporated into the sermon. Yesterday, I saw a picture on instagram; and the guy was like...."I'm sorry valentines day is on a sunday baby, I'm staying back for first, second and third service, and after that, youth fellowship too". I just couldn't stop laughing. Anyhoo, I've put together my favourite valentines day recipes in a series of posts I call 'Valentines day specials', so check it out. 

The first recipe I thought about was this beautiful  poached pear in red wine glaze. Its so beautiful, succulent and sweet...its certainly a beautiful dessert to share with that special someone.

Its really easy and only requires a few ingredients. But like everything, presentation is key.

So heres how I made it

Ingredients

For the poaching liquid

• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 3-4 star anise (optional)
• 1 tbsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2-3 cups red wine (the cheap stuff is fine)

Others

• 3 Pears

Instructions

1. Put all the ingredients for the poaching liquid in a pot and place the pot on the heat source. Bring to a simmer.

   

   Lemon zest placed in a bowl

   
   

   

   Lemon juice

   
   

   

   Adding the sugar to the lemon zest and juice

   
   

   

   the lemon, star anise and sugar

   
   

   

   Adding the red wine to the pot

   
   

   

   Poaching liquid allowed to simmer

2. Peal the pears and core it from the bottom by removing some of the seeds. Cut a part of the bottom to allow it balance well on the surface.

   

   Pears

   
   

   

   Cored pears and bottom cut to flatten and stabilise it

3. Place the pears in the poaching liquid, and allow to boil for about 30 minutes.

   

   Pears in the poaching liquid

   
   
   
   
   

   

   The pears are poaching

   
   
4. Remove the pears and star anise from the pan and allow the poaching liquid to reduce into a sauce. It should coat the back of a spoon.

   

   Pears and star anise removed from the pot

5. Once the sauce has reduced, plate the pears. You can do this how ever you like.
6. I melted some chocolate and brushed it across the plate, then placed the whole pear in the middle and drizzled the glaze onto it. I cut the second pear in half and made thin slices with one half, then fanned it out. A scoop of ice-cream and some chocolate chips can be placed on the plate.