Food & Cooking Recipes Dessert & Treats Recipes Poached Pears 3.6 (56) 1 Review By Martha Stewart Test Kitchen Martha Stewart Test Kitchen The recipes developed by our test kitchen team have undergone a rigorous process of development and testing, ensuring that every element is optimal, from ingredient amounts to method and cooking time. This process includes triple-testing recipes to ensure they meet our high standards. The many stellar cooks and food editors who have been part of our team include Sarah Carey, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Jennifer Aaronson, Shira Bocar, Anna Kovel, Greg Lofts, Riley Wofford, Lauren Tyrell, and Lindsay Leopold. Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 24, 2021 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Servings: 4 Choose perfectly ripe pears for this poached pear recipe; if they're overripe, they will be too soggy, and if they're underripe, they won't poach well. Bosc pears, which hold their shape well when baked or poached, have a sweet, tart flavor, but you can also use Anjou or Bartlett pears. Ingredients 4 firm, medium-size pears, such as Anjou, Bartlett, or Bosc 1 bottle robust red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or Merlot ½ cup sugar 1 vanilla bean, cut in half lengthwise 1 whole cinnamon stick 1 orange peel 1 lemon peel 2 whole cloves 1 star anise 1 whole bay leaf Directions Peel the pears, and place in medium saucepan. Add wine, sugar, vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, orange peel, lemon peel, cloves, star anise, bay leaf, and just enough water to cover pears. Set saucepan over high heat, and bring liquid to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook, occasionally stirring gently, over medium-low heat, until a paring knife easily pierces pears, about 15 minutes. Remove pan from heat; let pears cool in liquid. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pears to a plate. Pour poaching liquid through a sieve set over a bowl. Discard solids, and return liquid to saucepan. Place over medium-high heat, and cook until liquid has been reduced to a syrup that coats the back of a wooden spoon, about 45 minutes. Let cool; store pears in an airtight container until ready to serve. When ready to serve, arrange pears on a platter or on individual plates, and drizzle poaching liquid over them. Cook's Notes Peel the pears carefully, leaving the stems intact. Cut a small amount off the bottom so the pear can stand upright. If you're peeling many pears at once, immerse them in a large bowl of cold water with lemon juice. The acidulated water will keep the pears from discoloring until they are ready to be poached. Rate it Print