Vanilla Bourbon Poached Pears
A delightful dessert featuring ripe pears poached in a rich bourbon and vanilla sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the poaching liquid
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon Can be substituted with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- 1 vanilla bean vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract) Use the scraped contents for best flavor.
- 1/2 lemon lemon (juiced)
For the pears
- 4 pieces ripe pears Look for firm pears for best results.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, bourbon, and the scraped contents of the vanilla bean along with the bean pod. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- While the liquid is simmering, peel the pears carefully, leaving the stems intact. For added stability in serving, you can slice a small amount off the bottom of each pear.
Cooking
- Add the pears to the saucepan, ensuring they are submerged in the poaching liquid. Simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pears are tender yet retain their shape.
- Once cooked, remove the pears and set them aside on a plate. Increase the heat to bring the poaching liquid to a boil and reduce it for about 5-10 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Serving
- Serve the warm pears drizzled with the syrup. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat.