Description
A delightful dessert featuring tender poached pears, mixed berries, and toasted walnuts, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ripe pears, peeled and cored
- 2 cups mixed berries (such as blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Fresh mint or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Poaching Liquid: In a large saucepan, combine water, sugar, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Poach the Pears: Add the pears to the simmering liquid. Make sure they are fully submerged. Poach for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool the Pears: Once the pears are tender, remove them from the liquid and let them cool to room temperature. You can also refrigerate them for later use.
- Prepare the Berries and Walnuts: In a small saucepan, lightly toast the walnuts over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Set aside. Gently wash the berries and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the pears on a serving platter and scatter the berries and toasted walnuts over the pears.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle a little of the poaching liquid over the top, garnish with fresh mint or thyme if desired, and serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a couple of star anise pods to the poaching liquid.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts or seeds such as pecans or pumpkin seeds for varied texture.
- If you prefer a sweeter dish, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top before serving.
- If you have leftover poaching liquid, reduce it to a syrup consistency and use it as a sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pear with berries and walnuts
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg