Succulent Glazed Pears: A Decadent Dessert Masterpiece

Ingredients

4 ripe but firm pears
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup of water
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange

Steps and instructions

Peel the pears, leaving the stem intact. Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each pear to provide a flat standing surface.
Combine the sugar and water in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Add the cinnamon stick, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the sugar mixture, stirring to combine.
Place the pears in the sugar mixture, making sure they are fully submerged. If necessary, add more water to cover the pears.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the pears poach for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender. The exact cooking time will depend on the ripeness of the pears.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the pears from the saucepan and set them aside on a serving dish to cool.
Increase the heat to high and bring the remaining syrup in the saucepan to a boil. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the syrup has thickened into a glaze.
Once the glaze has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the glaze cool for a few minutes.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pears before serving.

Tools for making

Peeler - Used to peel the pears and remove their skin.
Saucepan - A large pan used for poaching the pears and making the glaze.
Slotted spoon - A utensil with slots or holes, used to remove the pears from the poaching liquid.
Serving dish - A dish or plate to present and serve the glazed pears.

Recipe variations

Instead of granulated sugar, you can use brown sugar or honey for a different flavor.
Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for extra warmth and spice.
Try substituting the water with apple cider or orange juice to infuse the pears with a different fruity flavor.
For an elegant touch, sprinkle chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) over the glazed pears before serving.
Serve the glazed pears with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
To make it a bit boozy, add a splash of brandy or rum to the glaze mixture for a delicious twist.
For a healthier version, you can use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or stevia instead of sugar.
Add a dash of cardamom or ginger powder to the glaze for a unique and aromatic flavor.
For a decadent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed pears before serving.
Experiment with different varieties of pears such as Bosc, Anjou, or Comice to explore different flavors and textures.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the elegant simplicity of Glazed Pears, a dessert that combines the natural sweetness of pears with a rich, spiced syrup glaze. This recipe takes ripe but firm pears and gently poaches them in a mixture of sugar, water, cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla, and orange zest, creating a delicately flavored fruit treat. The pears are then draped with the syrup that has been reduced to a glossy glaze, making for a visually stunning and delicious dessert. The process is straightforward and the result is a sophisticated dessert that's not overly sweet. Perfect for a dinner party or a romantic night in, these Glazed Pears are sure to impress.

Common questions

How do I know if the pears are ripe but firm? Look for pears that are slightly soft near the stem, but still firm when gently squeezed.
Can I use a different type of sugar? Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar or any other sweetener of your choice.
Can I use a different type of fruit? While this recipe specifically calls for pears, you can try using other firm fruits like apples or quinces as a substitute.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes, you can make the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
Can I double or halve the recipe? Yes, you can easily adjust the quantities of the ingredients to make more or fewer servings.
What can I serve the glazed pears with? Glazed pears are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
How long can I store the glazed pears? The glazed pears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the glazed pears? It is not recommended to freeze the glazed pears as the texture may change when thawed.

Serving dishes and utensils

Saucepan - Used for poaching the pears and making the glaze.
Slotted spoon - Useful for removing the pears from the poaching liquid.
Serving dish - Used to present and serve the glazed pears.
Whisk - Helps to dissolve the sugar and combine the ingredients in the poaching liquid.
Zester - Used to zest the orange for added flavor.
Measuring cups - Necessary for accurately measuring the sugar and water.
Knife - Used for peeling the pears and cutting a flat surface at the bottom.
Cutting board - Provides a stable surface for peeling and cutting the pears.
Heatproof spatula - Helps to stir the syrup and prevent it from sticking to the saucepan.

Origin stories

The art of poaching fruit in sugar syrup dates back centuries and is a common practice in many cuisines around the world. Pears, with their delicate flavor and buttery texture, lend themselves particularly well to this method of cooking. The tradition of poaching pears is particularly strong in France, where it is often done in red wine or a rich syrup laced with vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices. This dessert, known as 'Pears Belle Helene,' was created by the famous French chef Auguste Escoffier in the 19th century and is typically served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The version we're making today is a simpler variation, using just a sugar syrup and some aromatic flavorings to create a dessert that is at once elegant and comforting.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.