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Easy Spiced Vanilla Bean Pears

spiced vanilla bean pears - featured image
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Perfectly poached pears in a vanilla-spiced syrup, a simple yet elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. This versatile treat is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cheese board.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium Bosc or Anjou pears, ripe but firm
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 4 cups (960ml) water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 strip lemon zest (no white pith)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prep the pears: Peel the pears gently, leaving the stems intact. Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out the core from the bottom of each pear. Rub the peeled pears with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. Make the poaching syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and lemon zest. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape the seeds into the pot, and drop the pod in. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Let boil for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Lower the heat: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer (small, lazy bubbles). Add the lemon juice.
  4. Add the pears: Carefully lower the pears into the simmering syrup using a slotted spoon. Place a parchment cartouche or small plate directly on top to keep them submerged. Simmer gently for 20-30 minutes.
  5. Check for doneness: After 20 minutes, test a pear by inserting a sharp knife into the thickest part. It should slide in with little resistance, but the pear should still hold its shape. Simmer 5-10 more minutes if needed.
  6. Cool in the syrup: Turn off the heat and let the pears cool completely in the poaching liquid (about 1-2 hours at room temperature).
  7. Store or serve: Transfer the pears and syrup to a clean jar or container. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

Letting the pears cool in the syrup is crucial for flavor development. The syrup gets more complex over time, so making these a day or two ahead is recommended. Save the spent vanilla pod to make vanilla sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiced pears, vanilla bean pears, poached pears, easy dessert, homemade treat, fall dessert, vegan dessert, gluten-free dessert

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/easy-spiced-vanilla-bean-pears-best-homemade-treat/