Poached Pear: Flavors of the South

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou work best)
• 2 cups of red wine (Merlot or Zinfandel)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Peel the pears, leaving the stem intact, and slice 1/2 inch off the bottom of each pear so they can stand up
2. Place the red wine, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, lemon juice and nutmeg into a saucepan, and bring to a boil on medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and add the pears to the saucepan. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the pears are soft and tender, being sure to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly.
4. Once the pears are cooked, remove them from the saucepan and allow them to cool slightly. Then, place the saucepan back on the stove and bring it back to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer until the liquid is reduced by two-thirds and is a syrupy texture.
5. Remove the cinnamon stick from the syrup and pour it over the pears. Serve them alone or with a dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg.

Verdict:

This poached pear recipe is a deliciously sweet and flavorful dessert. The red wine and cinnamon add a richness to the dish, while the honey and vanilla bring the perfect amount of sweetness. The nutmeg is a nice finishing touch, tying all the flavors together in a cohesive way.

Serving Suggestions:

For a more indulgent dessert, serve the poached pear with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. You can also sprinkle crushed nuts over the top for added texture and nuttiness. Another option is to serve the pears alongside a slice of pound cake for the perfect ending to a meal.