Photo: Riesling Poached Pears with Cardamom Cream Recipe
Riesling is a white wine native to Germany, though it's now also being grown as far afield as California, New York and Australia. Rieslings can range from sweet (labeled Spatlese or Auslese) to dry (labeled Kabinett, Qualitatswein or QbA); they're all known for honeyed, floral notes and stony minerality. They're an especially good match for fruit, as they add clean, not cloying, sweetness. Cardamom, a common ingredient in Northern European and Scandinavian baking, adds a smoky counterpoint.
Ingredients
Pears:
- 1 (750 ml) bottle Riesling, preferably Spatlese
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 ripe pears, such as Bartlett, Bosc, D'Anjou, Fiselle or Seckel
Cardamom Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoons superfine sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
Directions
Pour the Riesling into a medium saucepan and whisk in the sugar until it dissolves.
Peel the pears, leaving stem intact, if present. Remove bottom stem end with a small melon baller, and continue to scoop up into the pear to remove the core. Place the pears right in the Riesling mixture (poaching liquid) after they are peeled and cored to prevent them from discoloring. (The acidity of the wine keeps them from browning). Add just enough water to cover the pears.
To keep the pears submerged in the poaching liquid, cut a circle of parchment paper the size of the pan and lay on the surface of the liquid. Place a small plate on top of the paper to make sure the pears are completely submerged. Cook the pears over medium-high heat, just until the liquid comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and poach the pears until they are just soft. The pears should be tender enough to pierce with a knife. This takes about 20 to 25 minutes for ripe medium pears, but this can vary depending on the size, variety and ripeness of the pear.
Remove the pan from the heat and cool the fruit completely in the poaching liquid. Refrigerate the fruit in the liquid in a sealed container until ready to serve. (The fruit will hold for 4 to 5 days, the longer the fruit is stored in the poaching liquid, the fuller the flavor).
Pour about half of the poaching liquid into a skillet and bring to a boil over high heat. Continue to cook and reduce until the liquid gets syrupy and about the consistency of honey.
Meanwhile, whip the cream together with the sugar and cardamom until cream just holds soft peaks. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
To serve, place a pear in a bowl or on a plate. Drizzle with reduced Riesling syrup and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream.
Copyright 2007 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved
Review This Recipe
You must be logged in to review this recipe.
or Sign Up to Review
Newest Ratings and Reviews
Read all 7 reviews
By pagesavor
Goshen, IN
on December 28, 2011
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
Amazing! Perfect balance of flavors made exactly as the recipe is written. We all loved this dessert, and it was a delicious light finish to a rich Thanksgiving meal. There is plenty of syrup; not a problem...it is delicious on french toast, yoghurt, etc.
By evsbabydoll
lombard, IL
on October 28, 2010
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
Delicious!! I did not have riesling on hand, but used a spiced apple wine instead. Very easy to make. The poaching liquid made a divine golden syrup. Cardamom cream was fluffy and just enough spice to compliment the delicate flavors of the pear. Perfect fall desert, if you want something light to follow some of fall and winters heavier meals.
By nicflow_12669213
San Carlos, 43
on March 03, 2010
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
I made this last night for some friends and it was divine. I let the pears sit for about three days and the taste was perfect! I was worried that it would be too sweet, but, no, I wish I had some again for dessert tonight.
Read all 7 reviews